Virginia National Guard

About the Virginia National Guard
July 1, 2020 — The Virginia National Guard is a unique dual-status force with a federal mission to provide a combat reserve for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to fight our nation’s wars and a state mission to provide a response force that answers the call of the Governor to defend the commonwealth. The VNG traces the history and tradition of Citizen-Soldier service to the founding of Jamestown in 1607, and there has been a military presence defending Virginia ever since... MORE

Governor's Certificate of Recognition honors Virginia National Guard birthday
May 13, 2020 — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed a Certificate of Recognition honoring the Virginia National Guard’s 413th birthday. The VNG traces the heritage and traditions of citizen service to the founding of Jamestown when Capt. John Smith organized the colonists for defense. Since the colony’s founding May 14, 1607, there has not… ... MORE

VNG, DMA bills pass during 2020 Virginia General Assembly session
March 25, 2020 — RICHMOND, Va. — A number of bills impacting the Virginia National Guard have passed the Virginia General Assembly during the 2020 legislative session, including bills aimed at increasing tuition assistance, increasing pay for Soldiers on state active duty for emergency response, and increasing the maximum age for Virginia Defense Force…... MORE

AG shares legislative priorities with JLC, GA Military Caucus

Virginia National Guard Soldiers support flood response in Tazewell County
February 7, 2020 — RICHLANDS, Va. — Tazewell County officials sent Virginia National Guard Soldiers out for health and welfare checks on citizens, and Soldiers delivered water and locally-donated food to those impacted by heavy rains and flooding in the area Feb. 7, 2020. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management directed the VNG to… ... MORE

Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony honors Virginia’s fallen
May 27, 2019 — RICHMOND, Va. — Virginians from all branches of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to their country were remembered at the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial May 27, 2019, in Richmond. Virginia. Ten Virginia National Guard Soldiers have been killed by hostile enemy action since Sept. 11, 2001, and they... MORE

Ceremony celebrates 412th birthday of VNG, Jamestown
May 14, 2019 — RICHMOND, Va. — Senior leaders from the office of Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and members of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard cut a cake to celebrate the 412th birthday of the Virginia National Guard and Jamestown May 14, 2019, at the Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. The VNG traces the heritage and traditions of citizen service to the founding of Jamestown when Capt. John Smith organized the colonists for defense, and since May 14, 1607, there has not been a day without a military presence in Virginia to defend freedom at home and overseas... MORE

Virginia’s vets honored on National Vietnam Veterans Day
April 3, 2019 — RICHMOND, Va. — Dozens of Vietnam-era veterans were honored with a ceremony and special pin during a Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration March 29, 2019, at the Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond, Virginia... MORE

Joint Base Langley-Eustis identified as candidate for F-22 Raptor Formal Training Unit
March 27, 2019 — The U.S. Air Force has identified Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, as the candidate base for the F-22 Raptor formal training unit and associated T-38 aircraft, according to announcement made March 25, 2019, by the Secretary of the Air Force. The announcement also indicated the Air Force filed a notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to assess the potential environmental consequences of the proposed action in the federal register as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. ... MORE

Events honor Virginia National Guard’s women Soldiers and veterans
March 20, 2019 — RICHMOND, Va. — Two recent events marking Women’s History Month and Virginia Women Veterans Week 2019 honored Virginia National Guard’s female Soldiers and veterans, including one woman serving with the Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Sgt. Taylor Cunningham, who works full-time with the 1-111th, was recognized during the Military Through The Ages event at the historic Jamestown Settlement March. 16, 2019, near Williamsburg, Virginia. The annual event featured a special salute to women’s wartime service, from their original support roles to their modern inclusion in combat units... MORE

Governor commends Virginia National Guard
January 18, 2019 — RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Ralph Northam and Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins commended the Virginia National Guard for the organization’s service to commonwealth and country at a legislative reception hosted Jan. 16, 2019, by the Virginia National Guard Association and Virginia Army and Air National Guard Enlisted Association in Richmond, Virginia. “Over the last year I have been so proud of all the great work that our Guard does, whether it has been serving overseas or answering the call when we have had natural disasters,” Northam said. “You are always there, and people know that you are always there and you are known for your service to the commonwealth.”... MORE

VNG supports multi-state, multi-agency response to Hurricane Florence
September 20, 2018 — The Virginia National Guard staged more than 1,500 personnel Sept. 12, 2018, at key locations across the commonwealth to support local and state emergency management officials with possible response to Hurricane Florence, but most were not needed when the storm turned further south. When Governor Ralph Northam authorized Virginia’s resources could be redirected to North Carolina, the VNG sent sent approximately 40 Soldiers and 20 light medium tactical vehicles to support with recovery efforts where the hurricane caused widespread flooding... MORE

Governor signs DMV drivers license veteran indicator bill
June 18, 2018 — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ceremonially signed House Bill 737 June 26, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia, authorizing the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to issue driver’s licenses, permits and identification cards displaying an indicator signifying that the holder is a veteran. Applicants must provide proof of veteran status. Delegate John J. McGuire introduced the bill, and it passed both houses of the General Assembly unanimously during the 2918 session... MORE

Governor commends the Va. National Guard
January 19, 2018 — Governor Ralph Northam and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran commended the Virginia National Guard for the organization’s service to commonwealth and country at a legislative reception hosted Jan. 18, 2018, by the Virginia National Guard Officer’s Association and Virginia Army and Air National Guard Enlisted Association in Richmond, Virginia. Prior to the reception, retired Air Force Col. Rich Anderson, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, shared his thoughts on leadership and public service as part of the Virginia National Guard’s ongoing Distinguished Speaker Series... MORE

Va. National Guard supports Governor Northam’s inauguration
January 15, 2018 — More than 200 Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force personnel were on duty Jan. 13, 2018, supporting the inauguration of Ralph Northam as the 73rd Governor of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Soldiers, Airmen and members of the VDF conducted a variety of missions including playing ceremonial music, firing a 19-gun salute with artillery howitzers and providing command and control of the inaugural parade marching elements. A formation of Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen led the inaugural parade, and aviation crews conducted a flyover with UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters... MORE

Governor-elect Northam to reappoint Williams as Adjutant General of Virginia
December 22, 2017 — Governor-elect Ralph Northam will reappoint Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams as the Adjutant General of Virginia, according to an announcement made Dec. 22, 2017. The announcement was made along with other key appointments for senior leadership positions within the incoming administration and is available online here: https://govelect.virginia.gov/newsarticle?articleId=22026... MORE

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