Virginia National Guard

Commonwealth ChalleNGe undergoes a number of changes, gears up for Class 61
June 28, 2024 — Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated Class 60 March 2, 2024, but instead of rolling right into Class 61, the program took a strategic pause, making cultural, physical and organizational changes. Now, after more than three months of training, seminars, brainstorming and implementing those changes, the staff is preparing for the 135 cadets of Class 61 to hit the ground July 16, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach... MORE

SMR employees honored at DMA luncheon
June 4, 2024 — Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and retired Col. Everton E. Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief Operations Officer, presented DMA state employees awards and recognitions during a luncheon May 22, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ... MORE

Fort Barfoot DMA state employees honored at luncheon
May 22, 2024 — Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard, the Virginia National Guard director of the Joint Staff, and retired Col. Everton E. Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief Operations Officer, presented recognitions and awards to Fort Barfoot’s DMA state employees during a recognition luncheon May 9, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. ... MORE

VaARNG retirement briefing provides valuable information, resources
May 20, 2024 — More than 30 Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers and their spouses attended a retirement briefing hosted by the VaARNG Retirement Services Office May 4, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia... MORE

Women veterans honored at War Memorial ceremony
March 26, 2024 — Women veterans from all military branches received pins recognizing their service during a Virginia Women Veterans Week event March 21, 2024, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia. ... MORE

Commonwealth ChalleNGe graduates Class 60
March 12, 2024 — The Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated 68 cadets during a ceremony March 2, 2024, at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Retired Army Col. Everton E. Nevers, the Department of Military Affairs Chief Operations Officer, joined Jennifer D. Lanz, director of CCYA, and Yolanda Parker, a CCYA graduate and the guest speaker for the event, on stage to congratulate the graduates of Class 60... MORE

DMA mentorship program graduates fourth class
March 12, 2024 — Participants in the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Workforce Development Mentoring Program graduated during a ceremony Feb. 28, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia... MORE

DMA mentorship program graduates third class

New director looks to keep ChalleNGe striving for excellence
February 26, 2024 — Jennifer D. Lanz is the new director of the Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy and started her new position Feb. 1, 2024. Lanz most recently served as assistant principal at Floyd E. Kellam High School in Virginia Beach. Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy is the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program and is based at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ChalleNGe is a 17-and-a-half-month program that is structured in a military-style environment designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership, while promoting self-esteem, confidence and pride... MORE

Jennifer D. Lanz, the new director of the Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy, meets with cadets following morning formation Feb. 15, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. L

Governor Youngkin commends Virginia National Guard
January 31, 2024 — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin commended the Virginia National Guard for the organization's service to commonwealth and country at a reception Jan. 17, 2024, hosted by the Virginia National Guard Association in Richmond, Virginia... MORE

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

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