Virginia National Guard

VaANG’s 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron officially opens new headquarters
December 21, 2023 — The Virginia Air National Guard’s 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 192nd Operations Group, 192nd Wing, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its state-of-the-art cyberspace facility Dec. 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. This milestone begins a new chapter for the history of the 185th COS, also known as “the Bats,” and marks the 192nd Wing’s first purpose-built structure since its move from Sandston to Langley in 2007... MORE

Four military members holding yellow ribbon, one cutting with scissors.

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

H2F, Longwood partnership brings exercise science students to medical readiness events
December 12, 2023 — A new partnership between the Virginia Army National Guard and Longwood University is providing hands-on experience to exercise science students while providing the Guard with personnel trained to capture information needed to help prevent Soldier injuries... MORE

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers receive feedback from Longwood University exercise science students during a medical readiness event Nov. 4, 2023, at Fort Barfoot, Virgina.

91st Cyber Soldier, GMU student named top Army ROTC cadet
December 12, 2023 — Bryan Vega, a Virginia National Guard Soldier assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 91st Cyber Brigade, was named the top Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet of the year by the ROTC Army Cadet Command according to an online announcement posted Nov. 22, 2023. ... MORE

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

Virginia recruiters named top in the region after SMAG sweep
December 8, 2023 — Three Virginia Army National Guard recruiters were named top in the region following a meeting of Region II’s Strength Maintenance Advisory Group, or SMAG, Nov. 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Sgt. 1st Class David Sanford was named the region’s top recruiting noncommissioned officer, 1st Sgt. Thomas Clarke was named the region’s top section chief, and Staff Sgt. Tyler Voogd was named the top rookie recruiter for 2023. ... MORE

Fort Barfoot hosts inaugural Turkey Trot
December 6, 2023 — Col. James C. Shaver, Fort Barfoot garrison commander, and the Holistic Health and Fitness team hosted the inaugural Fort Barfoot Turkey Trot Nov. 22, 2023. The event focused on celebrating health and fitness, esprit de corps and bringing together families and the local community... MORE

Soldiers and families running in Turkey Trot

116th Infantry Regiment holds 55th Annual Muster on Veterans Day
November 29, 2023 — Veterans of the 116th Infantry Regiment and Soldiers of the Virginia National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gathered to honor the unit’s history and enjoy an evening of camaraderie at the 55th annual 116th Infantry Regiment Muster Nov. 11, 2023, in Staunton, Virginia. Congressman Ben Cline and Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, both delivered remarks and Col. Jared Lake, commander of the 116th IBCT, provided an update on the brigade’s activities over the last year. ... MORE

VNG wraps up firefighting support
November 29, 2023 — Approximately 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen wrapped up ground support to firefighting efforts Nov. 17, 2023, in Madison County, Virginia, after assisting the Virginia Department of Forestry with mop up operations at the Quaker Run Fire. VNG aviation crews who previously supported the fire in Madison County ended their aerial fire suppression support Nov. 11 after assisting in Patrick County... MORE

4-day exercise sharpens 203rd RHS's expeditionary skills
November 28, 2023 — Virginia National Guard Airmen assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 203rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, 192nd Mission Support Group, 192nd Wing, trained on their expeditionary skills during a field training exercise Nov. 2-5, 2023, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia... MORE

4-day exercise sharpens 203rd RED HORSE’s expeditionary skills

Native name inspires strength, pride for 1-116th platoon leader
November 21, 2023 — First Lt. Gavin Steel traces his Native American heritage through the bloodlines of both his maternal and paternal grandmothers. His maternal grandmother comes from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, located today in Western North Carolina. On the paternal side, his grandmother comes from the Coharie Indian Tribe, today located in the southeastern region of North Carolina... MORE

VNG deploys ground troops to Madison County
November 15, 2023 — The Virginia National Guard deployed ground crews to support containment efforts at the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County, Virginia, Nov. 15, 2023, after demobilizing the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters providing aerial fire suppression support to the Virginia Department of Forestry Nov. 11, 2023. ... MORE

VNG deploys ground crews to Madison County, ends aerial fire suppression missions

Veterans honored at Va. War Memorial Veterans Day ceremony
November 15, 2023 — The Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony honored those who have served and are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces Nov. 10, 2023, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, delivered remarks during the ceremony. Sgt. 1st Class Tramel C. Hines, a Virginia National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Force Headquarters, led the pledge of allegiance. The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided ceremonial music for the event. In addition, members of the Virginia Defense Force volunteered their time to provide access control assistance. ... MORE

HART practices mountain, cliff rescue at Crabtree Falls
November 15, 2023 — Above a forest aglow with fall’s foliage, the blades of Virginia National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters sliced through the air. Below, first responders from Chesterfield County and Wintergreen looked skyward as rescuers, simulated victims and an emergency litter were hoisted to and from the aircraft as part of a training event focused on cliff and mountain rescue. The training, which took place Oct. 25, 2023, at Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, Virginia, was the most recent training opportunity for Virginia’s Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, or HART, a team comprised of Virginia National Guard flight crews and personnel from the Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scuba Rescue Team. ... MORE

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