Brig. Gen. Paul F. Griffin, Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff, and Walter L. Mercer, Director of Personnel and Administration for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, recognize and thank Virginia Department of Military Affairs state employees at a State Employee Recognition luncheon May 10, 2016, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. State employees received training and briefings in the morning, followed by the luncheon, where selected personnel received awards for their outstanding performance and dedicated service. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)