Virginia National Guard

116th BCT Soldiers pin combat patch during ceremony in Afghanistan
August 15, 2011 — “There are less than 2,000 Soldiers who wear the 29th Infantry Division symbol as a combat patch,” said Col. Blake C. Ortner, commander, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Aug. 6 at Forward Operating Base Lagman, Afghanistan, to the 100 Soldiers of the 116th BCT, as part of an award ceremony recognizing their deployment to a combat zone... MORE

116th BCT HQs assumes responsibility for mission in Afghanistan
August 8, 2011 — The Virginia Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Brigade Combat Team Headquarters offically began its mission in Afghanistan and took over responsibility from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in a transfer of authority ceremony held Aug. 7 at Forward Operating Base Eagle. The 116th began federal active duty May 15 and will serve as the higher headquarters in Zabul province for coalition troops... MORE

116th BCT troops meet with Romanian counterparts in Afghanistan
August 5, 2011 — Soldiers of the Staunton-based Virginia Army National Guard 116th Brigade Combat Team met with their Romanian Army counterparts at Forward Operating Base Lagman in Zabul, Afghanistan July 29 to establish a working partnership in Combined Team Zabul... MORE

Female Engagement Team blazes trails in Afghanistan
August 5, 2011 — A Stryker pulls up. The ramp lowers, and four Soldiers dismount, weapons at the ready, assault packs slung over their shoulders. The Afghan sun mercilessly beats down on their solid frames, swollen beads of perspiration growing heavy on each forehead. The leader lifts a hand and wipes the trickle of sweat from her eyes... MORE

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