Virginia National Guard

Virginia Department of Veterans Services offers a variety of free resources to support New Year’s wellness goals
January 26, 2024 — The Virginia Department of Veterans Services connects Virginia’s military veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and their families to federal and state benefits, support, quality care and recognition they have earned... MORE

DMA recognizes state employees during luncheon
January 10, 2024 — Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, the outgoing Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief Operations Officer, thanked DMA state employees during a DMA recognition luncheon and holiday social Dec. 5, 2023, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. ... MORE

Virginia National Guard 2023 Year in Review
December 18, 2023 — The Virginia National Guard had another busy year in 2023 balancing the demands of both its state and federal missions... MORE

VNG installation officially redesignated Fort Barfoot

Nevers set to replace Mercer as DMA Chief Operations Officer
December 11, 2023 — After eight years guiding the Virginia Department of Military Affairs as the Chief Operations Officer, retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer is retiring from the DMA effective Dec. 31, 2023, with another retired Virginia National Guard officer, retired Col. Everton E. Nevers, taking over the role of COO. ... MORE

DMA launches peer support service for employees
December 11, 2023 — A new, diverse team of Virginia Department of Military Affairs leaders is stepping up to provide critical peer support for DMA state employees in need following a personal or professional crisis. ... MORE

Alder selected as first state deputy to Fort Barfoot’s garrison commander
November 14, 2023 — Virginia Department of Military Affairs employee Mike Alder began a new role as deputy to the garrison commander of Fort Barfoot Nov. 10, 2023. He previously served as the deputy director of the installation’s Directorate of Public Works... MORE

Jumper shares lessons in leadership with DMA mentees, mentors
November 1, 2023 — Brig. Gen. Catherine M. Jumper, the Virginia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air, provided remarks as the guest speaker for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Workforce Development Mentoring Program Oct. 26, 2023, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. ... MORE

Nevers to succeed Mercer as Department of Military Affairs chief operations officer
October 18, 2023 — Retired Col. Everton E. Nevers has been selected to succeed retired Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer as the chief operations officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, according to an announcement made Oct. 13, 2023, by Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia... MORE

SMR DMA employees celebrated at 2023 Fall Festival
October 2, 2023 — Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees attended the 2023 DMA Fall Festival Sept. 22, 2023, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition to the catered lunch, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, the DMA Chief Operations Officer, and Col. James C. Shaver, Fort Barfoot garrison commander, thanked the group for their hard work and dedication and presented awards to a number of SMR employees... MORE

Commonwealth ChalleNGe graduates 66 cadets from Class 59
September 6, 2023 — The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated 66 cadets from Class 59 Aug. 26, 2023, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, the Department of Military Affairs Chief Operations Officer, joined retired Navy Capt. Mark Chicoine, the Commonwealth ChalleNGe director, in congratulating the cadets on their accomplishments... MORE

Recent ChalleNGe graduate pursues U.S. Coast Guard Scholars program, future appointment to Coast Guard Academy
July 25, 2023 — Konner Wiggins, a graduate of Class 56 of the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy, joined the U.S. Coast Guard July 10, 2023, and will serve as an E-2 while he completes the U.S. Coast Guard Scholars program with 73 other high school graduates from around the world. Once he completes the program at Marion Military Institute in Alabama, Wiggins will then receive a full appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, where he will run on the school’s Division III track program... MORE

Grant furthers testing of hemp-based targets at Fort Barfoot
June 22, 2023 — The Virginia Department of Military Affairs recently received a $1,000 grant in the recycling category from the “Keep Virginia Beautiful” organization. The money will be used to further research and testing of hemp-plastic targets at Fort Barfoot, according to John Sadler, Fort Barfoot integrated solid waste manager... MORE

Grant allows further testing of hemp-based targets at Fort Barfoot

Ring takes command of VNG as Adjutant General of Virginia
June 8, 2023 — Brig. Gen. James W. Ring took command of the Virginia National Guard as the Adjutant General of Virginia from Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams and was promoted to major general during a ceremony June 3, 2023, at the VNG Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia... MORE

Virginia DMA employees at SMR honored at luncheon
June 2, 2023 — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief Operations Officer, presented awards to DMA employees as part of a State Employee Recognition Day luncheon May 24, 2023, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia... MORE

DMA employees recognized during SMR luncheon

Va. National Guard ceremony at Defense Supply Center Richmond June 3 to feature F-22 flyover, artillery salute
May 31, 2023 — The Virginia National Guard’s change of command ceremony scheduled for June 3, 2023, will feature an F-22 Raptor flyover and blank-fire artillery salute, and residents of the Bellwood area of Chesterfield County surrounding Defense Supply Center Richmond should expect brief periods of loud noise during the Saturday morning ceremony and the Friday afternoon rehearsal... MORE

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