Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, welcomes new Soldiers to the Virginia Army National Guard during an event dubbed First Formation Feb. 5, 2026, at the Virginia National Guard Sgt. Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond. First Formation provides Soldiers returning from Advanced Individual Training or One Station Unit Training an opportunity to receive equipment, verify their records, meet with a unit representative and receive their first unit patch. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Terra C. Gatti)