Programs Archive

  • SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia National Guard Soldiers have an easier way to translate their military driving skills into civilian credentials thanks to a program called Troops to Trucks that’s helped several Soldiers find employment. In 2012, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles started the program, which simplifies the process of obtaining a commercial driver’s license for those military members with adequate driving experience gained through the military. “One of my Soldiers was able to get a job about three weeks later,” Capt. William Angle, commander of Company A, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said. “He’s recently back from deployment and needed worked. He’s an experienced truck driver but didn’t have a CDL. He got the waiver,...

    Va. Guard Soldiers earn civilian credit for military experience

    Posted on January 11, 2013 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia National Guard Soldiers have an easier way to translate their military driving skills into civilian credentials thanks to a program called Troops to Trucks that’s helped several Soldiers find employment. In 2012, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles started the program, which simplifies the process of obtaining a commercial driver’s license for those military members with adequate driving experience gained through the military. “One of my Soldiers was able to get a job about three weeks later,” Capt. William Angle, commander of Company A, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said. “He’s recently back from deployment and needed worked. He’s an experienced truck driver but didn’t have a CDL. He got the waiver,...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has established the Virginia National Guard Employers Network on Linked In, a career opportunity and assistance networking group. You can join the group by visiting the following link: http://ow.ly/g64qY According to the group’s introduction message, “This is the virtual place to meet, interact and share ideas respectfully with current and former members of the Virginia National Guard, their spouses, and employers desiring the many benefits provided by employees with military experience. We are an all-volunteer group with the planning, programming, and presentations conducted by volunteers and members.” The group is open to current members of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard and their spouses seeking career employment and can help them gain...

    Virginia National Guard establishes Linked In group for employment resources

    Posted on December 14, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has established the Virginia National Guard Employers Network on Linked In, a career opportunity and assistance networking group. You can join the group by visiting the following link: http://ow.ly/g64qY According to the group’s introduction message, “This is the virtual place to meet, interact and share ideas respectfully with current and former members of the Virginia National Guard, their spouses, and employers desiring the many benefits provided by employees with military experience. We are an all-volunteer group with the planning, programming, and presentations conducted by volunteers and members.” The group is open to current members of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard and their spouses seeking career employment and can help them gain...

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  • FORT MONROE, Va. — Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Col. Thom Morgan, director of manpower and personnel for the Virginia Guard, and representatives of Virginia National Guard Family Programs joined Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, First Lady Maureen McDonnell, for the passing of the keys to the Freedom Support Center Nov. 30 at Fort Monroe, Va. The center will serve as a “one-stop” service facility for active duty, reserve and National Guard service members, their families and veterans with information on government benefits and programs, career planning, job training programs, financial counseling, short-term financial aid, and more. The Freedom Support Center adds a physical dimension to First Lady McDonnell’s SOS (Serving Our...

    AG, Virginia Guard staff on hand as Governor receives keys to new Freedom Support Center at Fort Monroe

    Posted on December 4, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT MONROE, Va. — Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Col. Thom Morgan, director of manpower and personnel for the Virginia Guard, and representatives of Virginia National Guard Family Programs joined Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, First Lady Maureen McDonnell, for the passing of the keys to the Freedom Support Center Nov. 30 at Fort Monroe, Va. The center will serve as a “one-stop” service facility for active duty, reserve and National Guard service members, their families and veterans with information on government benefits and programs, career planning, job training programs, financial counseling, short-term financial aid, and more. The Freedom Support Center adds a physical dimension to First Lady McDonnell’s SOS (Serving Our...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — Soldiers and Airmen of the Virginia National Guard participated in missions to Tajikistan from Nov. 3-16, 2012, where they conducted an exchange in infantry tactics and medical support procedures with the Tajikistan Peacekeeping Operations Battalion in preparation for future United Nations missions. Lt. Col. Michael Renforth of the 192nd Medical Group led the Medical Exchange, while 1st Lt. David Worley of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team led the Infantry Tactical Exchange. The teams consisted of Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Force Headquarters; 192nd Medical Group; Virginia Army National Guard Medical Command; Intel and Sustainment Company, 29th Infantry Division; Companies B and C, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion,...

    Virginia National Guard works with Tajikistan’s Peacekeeping Operations Battalion on infantry and medical tactics

    Posted on November 30, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — Soldiers and Airmen of the Virginia National Guard participated in missions to Tajikistan from Nov. 3-16, 2012, where they conducted an exchange in infantry tactics and medical support procedures with the Tajikistan Peacekeeping Operations Battalion in preparation for future United Nations missions. Lt. Col. Michael Renforth of the 192nd Medical Group led the Medical Exchange, while 1st Lt. David Worley of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team led the Infantry Tactical Exchange. The teams consisted of Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Force Headquarters; 192nd Medical Group; Virginia Army National Guard Medical Command; Intel and Sustainment Company, 29th Infantry Division; Companies B and C, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion,...

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  • RICHMOND, Va. — Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment supporting the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Program helped Richmond Drug Enforcement Administration agents load approximately 14,000 pounds of unwanted and expired prescription drugs into Virginia Guard FMTVs Oct. 12 before hauling the drugs north for destruction at a Northern Virginia incinerator. “Our mission today is to support the DEA in their Drug Take Back mission and our support role here is to be transporters of the pharmaceuticals they collected and haul them to the incinerator,” explained Master Sgt. Brian Wright, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Counterdrug Task Force. The drugs were collected from sites throughout Virginia by local law enforcement agencies, and then transported to the centrally located DEA...

    Virginia Guard assists DEA in drug destruction

    Posted on October 16, 2012 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment supporting the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Program helped Richmond Drug Enforcement Administration agents load approximately 14,000 pounds of unwanted and expired prescription drugs into Virginia Guard FMTVs Oct. 12 before hauling the drugs north for destruction at a Northern Virginia incinerator. “Our mission today is to support the DEA in their Drug Take Back mission and our support role here is to be transporters of the pharmaceuticals they collected and haul them to the incinerator,” explained Master Sgt. Brian Wright, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Counterdrug Task Force. The drugs were collected from sites throughout Virginia by local law enforcement agencies, and then transported to the centrally located DEA...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard completed a three-week mission to Tajikistan Sept. 12, 2012, where they helped prepare the Peacekeeping Operations Battalion for a future United Nations mission. Led by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Edgar Marquis of Headquarters Company, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the team consisted of communications professionals from Company C, 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, and the Signal Company, 29th Infantry Division. The Virginia Guard team also worked with the Tajik platoon that participated in the STEPPE EAGLE 2012 in Kazakhstan, a military exercise aimed at the interoperability of international forces. While Tajikistan has sent observers in the past, this is the first time that Tajikistan has sent an actual unit to participate...

    Virginia Guard communication professionals work with Tajikistan Peacekeeping Operations Battalion

    Posted on September 30, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard completed a three-week mission to Tajikistan Sept. 12, 2012, where they helped prepare the Peacekeeping Operations Battalion for a future United Nations mission. Led by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Edgar Marquis of Headquarters Company, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the team consisted of communications professionals from Company C, 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, and the Signal Company, 29th Infantry Division. The Virginia Guard team also worked with the Tajik platoon that participated in the STEPPE EAGLE 2012 in Kazakhstan, a military exercise aimed at the interoperability of international forces. While Tajikistan has sent observers in the past, this is the first time that Tajikistan has sent an actual unit to participate...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. – Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard completed an engagement with the Tajik Army on small-unit tactics and Improvised Explosive Device avoidance on Sept. 12, 2012. Capt. Jack Nothstine, from the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, led the team, along with 2nd Lt. Alexander Nance, 237th Engineer Company, and Sgt. Kevin Hundley, Headquarters Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. Tajikistan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is located in Central Asia, directly north of Afghanistan. The Virginia Guard began the partnership with Tajikistan in 2004, only a few years after the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Since then Virginia and Tajikistan have cooperated on dozens of mutually beneficial events. Tajik military leaders have become...

    Virginia Guard team works with Tajikistan on Security Cooperation

    Posted on September 30, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard completed an engagement with the Tajik Army on small-unit tactics and Improvised Explosive Device avoidance on Sept. 12, 2012. Capt. Jack Nothstine, from the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, led the team, along with 2nd Lt. Alexander Nance, 237th Engineer Company, and Sgt. Kevin Hundley, Headquarters Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. Tajikistan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is located in Central Asia, directly north of Afghanistan. The Virginia Guard began the partnership with Tajikistan in 2004, only a few years after the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Since then Virginia and Tajikistan have cooperated on dozens of mutually beneficial events. Tajik military leaders have become...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — On Aug. 29, 2012 a five-man team from the Virginia Army and Air National Guard, led by Maj. Bill McCarty, completed an 11-day exchange with the Tajik Army. The exchange topics included mission analysis, junior leader development, land navigation, and related issues. The military exchange focused on the Peacekeeping Operations Battalion, stationed at Shamsi Base, Dushanbe. This unit’s platoon was sent to the international STEPPE EAGLE exercise in Kazakhstan as Tajikistan’s first military unit to operate outside of national borders. The battalion expects to participate in a United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in 2013 and by working with the Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, the battalion gained experience in operating within a multi-national environment. The Virginians were...

    Virginia Army, Air National Guard troops work with the Tajik Army on fieldcraft

    Posted on September 20, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — On Aug. 29, 2012 a five-man team from the Virginia Army and Air National Guard, led by Maj. Bill McCarty, completed an 11-day exchange with the Tajik Army. The exchange topics included mission analysis, junior leader development, land navigation, and related issues. The military exchange focused on the Peacekeeping Operations Battalion, stationed at Shamsi Base, Dushanbe. This unit’s platoon was sent to the international STEPPE EAGLE exercise in Kazakhstan as Tajikistan’s first military unit to operate outside of national borders. The battalion expects to participate in a United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in 2013 and by working with the Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, the battalion gained experience in operating within a multi-national environment. The Virginians were...

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  • FORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia National Guard’s Equal Opportunity Office hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Sept. 8, 2012 at Fort Pickett, Va. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed every year from Sept. 15- Oct. 15 and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The event at Fort Pickett included dancers from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana in Fairfax County and food from Acapulco’s Mexican Grill in Blackstone as well as information about famous Hispanic Americans and their role in our history. “The dancers were great,” said Capt. Kervin Sider, the state Equal Opportunity officer. “They are demonstrating part of their culture and that...

    Food, dance featured at Virginia National Guard Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

    Posted on September 11, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia National Guard’s Equal Opportunity Office hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Sept. 8, 2012 at Fort Pickett, Va. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed every year from Sept. 15- Oct. 15 and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The event at Fort Pickett included dancers from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana in Fairfax County and food from Acapulco’s Mexican Grill in Blackstone as well as information about famous Hispanic Americans and their role in our history. “The dancers were great,” said Capt. Kervin Sider, the state Equal Opportunity officer. “They are demonstrating part of their culture and that...

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  • PETERSBURG, Va. — Approximately 12 Airmen from the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron supported the City of Petersburg by tearing down derelict structures associated with the drug trade from Aug. 19 to 30.  The Air Guard civil engineering unit provided heavy equipment and expertise to demolish 12 structures during the mission, and Airmen hauled away almost 815 tons of debris in 320 loads. “This is a wonderful partnership that gives us as a city the chance to work with the National Guard in getting rid of some age-old problems,” said Petersburg Police Chief John Dixon. He said that residents in the area were very happy about the project and had given the police positive feedback.The Petersburg mission is the first...

    Virginia Air National Guard engineers demolish derelict structures in Petersburg

    Posted on September 5, 2012 | No Comments
    PETERSBURG, Va. — Approximately 12 Airmen from the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron supported the City of Petersburg by tearing down derelict structures associated with the drug trade from Aug. 19 to 30.  The Air Guard civil engineering unit provided heavy equipment and expertise to demolish 12 structures during the mission, and Airmen hauled away almost 815 tons of debris in 320 loads. “This is a wonderful partnership that gives us as a city the chance to work with the National Guard in getting rid of some age-old problems,” said Petersburg Police Chief John Dixon. He said that residents in the area were very happy about the project and had given the police positive feedback.The Petersburg mission is the first...

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  • OILVILLE, Va. — Members of the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force helped at-risk kids learn about respect and gain self confidence while also learning about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse during the Office of the Attorney General’s Virginia Rules Camp, Aug. 23 at Camp Little Hawk in Oilville. “The Virginia Rules camp is a seven-year partnership among the Attorney General’s office, the Boys and Girls Club and the Richmond Police Department,” said Amy Wight, director of the Office of the Attorney General’s Gang Reduction and Intervention Program. “The Boys and Girls Club has given us this camp site to use for one week in the summer to do this free week long day camp for up to 80 inner city kids,” she added.The Richmond Police Department, and...

    Counterdrug Task Force supports camp for at-risk kids

    Posted on August 29, 2012 | No Comments
    OILVILLE, Va. — Members of the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force helped at-risk kids learn about respect and gain self confidence while also learning about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse during the Office of the Attorney General’s Virginia Rules Camp, Aug. 23 at Camp Little Hawk in Oilville. “The Virginia Rules camp is a seven-year partnership among the Attorney General’s office, the Boys and Girls Club and the Richmond Police Department,” said Amy Wight, director of the Office of the Attorney General’s Gang Reduction and Intervention Program. “The Boys and Girls Club has given us this camp site to use for one week in the summer to do this free week long day camp for up to 80 inner city kids,” she added.The Richmond Police Department, and...

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  • VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 100 children of Virginia National Guard members participated in the seventh annual Virginia National Guard Youth Camp July 30- Aug. 3, 2012 at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. The week-long camp featured a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities, including presentations from military and civilian organizations. The campers included 63 kids between the ages of 8-12 and 38 teens between the ages of 13-17. In addition to a week of outdoor activities and arts & crafts fun, the campers spent time in the sun at the beach and traveled to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for a day of fun. This year’s camp marked a lot of firsts for the Virginia Guard Youth Camp,...

    Children of Virginia Guard Soldiers, Airmen enjoy 7th annual Youth Camp

    Posted on August 15, 2012 | No Comments
    VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 100 children of Virginia National Guard members participated in the seventh annual Virginia National Guard Youth Camp July 30- Aug. 3, 2012 at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. The week-long camp featured a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities, including presentations from military and civilian organizations. The campers included 63 kids between the ages of 8-12 and 38 teens between the ages of 13-17. In addition to a week of outdoor activities and arts & crafts fun, the campers spent time in the sun at the beach and traveled to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for a day of fun. This year’s camp marked a lot of firsts for the Virginia Guard Youth Camp,...

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  • FORT STORY, Va. — Rappel masters of the 1st Battalion, 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute, from Fort Pickett, Va., instructed approximately 210 candidates from the Commonwealth ChalleNGe program down a 40-foot rappel tower June 23 at Fort Story, Va. Commonwealth ChalleNGe is the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, a five and a half month program which focuses on preparing at-risk teens and high school dropouts for the General Educational Development test and future employment, military or higher education opportunities. The rappelling participants were in the “Pre-ChalleNGe” phase, a two-week indoctrination period to determine if prospective cadets are prepared for the rigorous program. “We like coming out here, showing them how to repel and overcome their fear...

    Virginia rappel masters challenge at-risk youth

    Posted on July 26, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT STORY, Va. — Rappel masters of the 1st Battalion, 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute, from Fort Pickett, Va., instructed approximately 210 candidates from the Commonwealth ChalleNGe program down a 40-foot rappel tower June 23 at Fort Story, Va. Commonwealth ChalleNGe is the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, a five and a half month program which focuses on preparing at-risk teens and high school dropouts for the General Educational Development test and future employment, military or higher education opportunities. The rappelling participants were in the “Pre-ChalleNGe” phase, a two-week indoctrination period to determine if prospective cadets are prepared for the rigorous program. “We like coming out here, showing them how to repel and overcome their fear...

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  • WINCHESTER, Va. – The Virginia National Guard hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Winchester STARBASE Academy July 23 at the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center in Winchester. Students from Frederick Douglass Elementary School of the Winchester Public Schools took part in the first-ever five-day program that ended July 27. Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration, or STARBASE, is a Department of Defense educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs where students participate in challenging activities in science, technology, engineering and math. Students are immersed in a unique classroom experience for five days where all activities are student-centered, hands-on, encourage higher order thinking and incorporate STEM applications in the real world....

    STARBASE Academy blasts off in Winchester

    Posted on July 24, 2012 | No Comments
    WINCHESTER, Va. – The Virginia National Guard hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Winchester STARBASE Academy July 23 at the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center in Winchester. Students from Frederick Douglass Elementary School of the Winchester Public Schools took part in the first-ever five-day program that ended July 27. Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration, or STARBASE, is a Department of Defense educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs where students participate in challenging activities in science, technology, engineering and math. Students are immersed in a unique classroom experience for five days where all activities are student-centered, hands-on, encourage higher order thinking and incorporate STEM applications in the real world....

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — A seven-man team from the Virginia National Guard ended its three-week State Partnership Program exchange in Tajikistan by spending July 7- 13 with the Tajikistan Peacekeeping Operations Battalion at Shamsi Military Base in the capital city of Dushanbe. The last half of the exchange began with a day-long seminar on Counter IED measures delivered by 1st Lt. Art Taryan from the West Point-based 237th Engineer Company. Taryan used his deployment experience in 2009 to lead the seminar as well as set up an IED lane on the base’s training grounds.   On July 4th, the team delivered a presentation on the American holiday as a way to help the Tajiks get a better understanding of American culture and values that...

    Virginia Guard troops lead exchange with Tajikistan Peacekeeping Operations Battalion

    Posted on July 23, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — A seven-man team from the Virginia National Guard ended its three-week State Partnership Program exchange in Tajikistan by spending July 7- 13 with the Tajikistan Peacekeeping Operations Battalion at Shamsi Military Base in the capital city of Dushanbe. The last half of the exchange began with a day-long seminar on Counter IED measures delivered by 1st Lt. Art Taryan from the West Point-based 237th Engineer Company. Taryan used his deployment experience in 2009 to lead the seminar as well as set up an IED lane on the base’s training grounds.   On July 4th, the team delivered a presentation on the American holiday as a way to help the Tajiks get a better understanding of American culture and values that...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — Members of the Virginia Army National Guard traveled to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, for a three-week mission in support of the State Partnership Program between Virginia and Tajikistan. While there, the seven-man team traveled to Shamsi Military Base in Dushanbe June 28- July 6 and worked with with the Tajikistan Army Peacekeeping Battalion’s junior leaders on basic Soldiering tasks. The team used their areas of expertise, ranging from combat arms to combat service support, to provide the Tajik Soldiers a broad perspective for conducting operations. The exchange began with a meeting with the deputy battalion commander to provide a snapshot of the team’s capabilities and establish areas of focus. The commander selected 16 warrant officers, which are comparable to...

    Tajikistan SPP information exchange focuses on basic Soldiering skills

    Posted on July 23, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — Members of the Virginia Army National Guard traveled to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, for a three-week mission in support of the State Partnership Program between Virginia and Tajikistan. While there, the seven-man team traveled to Shamsi Military Base in Dushanbe June 28- July 6 and worked with with the Tajikistan Army Peacekeeping Battalion’s junior leaders on basic Soldiering tasks. The team used their areas of expertise, ranging from combat arms to combat service support, to provide the Tajik Soldiers a broad perspective for conducting operations. The exchange began with a meeting with the deputy battalion commander to provide a snapshot of the team’s capabilities and establish areas of focus. The commander selected 16 warrant officers, which are comparable to...

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  • VIRGINIA BEACH, Va — Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, and his wife Diane Long, recognized Virginia National Guard volunteers at the Virginia National Guard Volunteer Recognition Workshop July 14 in Virginia Beach. The volunteers received certificates and momentos in recognition of their support of various programs over the past year, including family readiness groups, family programs, youth camps and various other programs. “Volunteers are an integral part of the National Guard Family Program and without their time, dedication, and commitment, it would be impossible to do everything we do for service members and families,” said Vickie Sais, the Virginia National Guard director of Family Programs. “At this workshop, we wanted to sincerely thank all our...

    Virginia Guard honors, thanks volunteers for their support

    Posted on July 18, 2012 | No Comments
    VIRGINIA BEACH, Va — Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, and his wife Diane Long, recognized Virginia National Guard volunteers at the Virginia National Guard Volunteer Recognition Workshop July 14 in Virginia Beach. The volunteers received certificates and momentos in recognition of their support of various programs over the past year, including family readiness groups, family programs, youth camps and various other programs. “Volunteers are an integral part of the National Guard Family Program and without their time, dedication, and commitment, it would be impossible to do everything we do for service members and families,” said Vickie Sais, the Virginia National Guard director of Family Programs. “At this workshop, we wanted to sincerely thank all our...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. – Senior leaders, Soldiers and employees from the Virginia National Guard celebrated their 4th annual Diversity Day June 27 at the Mullins Armory in Sandston, Va. The focus of this year’s diversity event was on the culture of Asian Pacific Islanders. The event was hosted by the Virginia National Guard’s Equal Opportunity Office and aimed to educate attendees on the importance of celebrating and recognizing the diversity found in the Guard, and on recognizing that even through differences in upbringing, gender, race or ethnic identity, similarities still exist between individuals in the Virginia Guard’s diverse force. “At each event you learn something new about someone’s culture which helps you to understand the differences that we have in our...

    Virginia Guard celebrates 4th annual Diversity Day

    Posted on July 3, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Senior leaders, Soldiers and employees from the Virginia National Guard celebrated their 4th annual Diversity Day June 27 at the Mullins Armory in Sandston, Va. The focus of this year’s diversity event was on the culture of Asian Pacific Islanders. The event was hosted by the Virginia National Guard’s Equal Opportunity Office and aimed to educate attendees on the importance of celebrating and recognizing the diversity found in the Guard, and on recognizing that even through differences in upbringing, gender, race or ethnic identity, similarities still exist between individuals in the Virginia Guard’s diverse force. “At each event you learn something new about someone’s culture which helps you to understand the differences that we have in our...

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  • NEW CASTLE, Va. — Nearly 50 children attended the 5th annual Teen Wilderness Adventure Camp held at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing in New Castle June 24-28. The children were all dependents of Virginia National Guard and active duty military families and were exposed to a multitude of outdoor events including rock-wall climbing, zip lining, kayaking, hiking, first aid and many other activities that exude confidence and build teamwork. “The (Virginia National Guard) Youth Program partnered with Operation Military Kids to bring 50 teens up here ranging in ages from 13 to 17,” said Drew Davis, director of youth programs for the Virginia National Guard. “The program is really about giving the kids an opportunity to come out here and...

    Teen Wilderness Adventure Camp welcomes kids from military families

    Posted on June 26, 2012 | No Comments
    NEW CASTLE, Va. — Nearly 50 children attended the 5th annual Teen Wilderness Adventure Camp held at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing in New Castle June 24-28. The children were all dependents of Virginia National Guard and active duty military families and were exposed to a multitude of outdoor events including rock-wall climbing, zip lining, kayaking, hiking, first aid and many other activities that exude confidence and build teamwork. “The (Virginia National Guard) Youth Program partnered with Operation Military Kids to bring 50 teens up here ranging in ages from 13 to 17,” said Drew Davis, director of youth programs for the Virginia National Guard. “The program is really about giving the kids an opportunity to come out here and...

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  • SUBJECT: Annual Training Safety Message 2012 1.   At the conclusion of the Memorial Day weekend, the Virginia Army National Guard will enter into our Annual Training cycle for this fiscal year.  Safety and risk management should be foremost on every Soldier’s mind as we enter this cycle. 2.   Commanders are to ensure they are in compliance with all unit Safety Programs and they are up to date.  Leaders at all levels are to ensure unit risk management and safety briefings are conducted for all activities.  All convoys and vehicle operations will be IAW applicable regulations and laws. All Soldiers, regardless of rank are safety officers. When an unsafe act is observed, do the right thing and take action to stop...

    Land Component Commander publishes Annual Training Safety Message

    Posted on May 30, 2012 | No Comments
    SUBJECT: Annual Training Safety Message 2012 1.   At the conclusion of the Memorial Day weekend, the Virginia Army National Guard will enter into our Annual Training cycle for this fiscal year.  Safety and risk management should be foremost on every Soldier’s mind as we enter this cycle. 2.   Commanders are to ensure they are in compliance with all unit Safety Programs and they are up to date.  Leaders at all levels are to ensure unit risk management and safety briefings are conducted for all activities.  All convoys and vehicle operations will be IAW applicable regulations and laws. All Soldiers, regardless of rank are safety officers. When an unsafe act is observed, do the right thing and take action to stop...

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