116th IBCT Archive

  • LEESBURG, Va. — Soldiers of the Leesburg-based Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team received a resume building and career development workshop courtesy of the Loudon County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1177, and the Military Alliance Group of Science Applications International Corporation Feb. 9, 2013, at their armory in Leesburg, Va. Raymond Houck, a member of VFW Post 1177 and MAG, gave a two-hour course to more than 40 infantry Soldiers on goal setting, resume writing, employer research and networking. “It’s good that they’re doing this,” says Spc. Nikita Vasilyev, an infantryman of Company C attending the workshop. “A lot of these guys are taking notes and learning valu-able information, like how to format their skills and...

    Loudon County VFW conducts job training for Va. Guard Soldiers

    Posted on February 12, 2013 | No Comments
    LEESBURG, Va. — Soldiers of the Leesburg-based Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team received a resume building and career development workshop courtesy of the Loudon County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1177, and the Military Alliance Group of Science Applications International Corporation Feb. 9, 2013, at their armory in Leesburg, Va. Raymond Houck, a member of VFW Post 1177 and MAG, gave a two-hour course to more than 40 infantry Soldiers on goal setting, resume writing, employer research and networking. “It’s good that they’re doing this,” says Spc. Nikita Vasilyev, an infantryman of Company C attending the workshop. “A lot of these guys are taking notes and learning valu-able information, like how to format their skills and...

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  •   WASHINGTON, D. C. — As Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen assisted with security operations for the 57th Presidential Inauguration, Virginia Guard chaplains augmented the District of Columbia National Guard’s chaplain corps by supporting personnel from D.C., Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and West Virginia from Jan. 20-21, 2013. The chaplain support teams, consisting of two chaplains and two chaplain assistants, provided religious support, counseling and a network of liaisons to Soldiers and Airmen. “My primary focus is providing religious and counseling support to the service members supporting the inauguration,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Ben Sprouse, of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “I also enjoy visiting with Soldiers and Airmen at their duty locations.” The...

    Va. Guard chaplains provide service to Guardsmen during Presidential Inauguration

    Posted on January 24, 2013 | No Comments
      WASHINGTON, D. C. — As Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen assisted with security operations for the 57th Presidential Inauguration, Virginia Guard chaplains augmented the District of Columbia National Guard’s chaplain corps by supporting personnel from D.C., Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and West Virginia from Jan. 20-21, 2013. The chaplain support teams, consisting of two chaplains and two chaplain assistants, provided religious support, counseling and a network of liaisons to Soldiers and Airmen. “My primary focus is providing religious and counseling support to the service members supporting the inauguration,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Ben Sprouse, of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “I also enjoy visiting with Soldiers and Airmen at their duty locations.” The...

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  • ARLINGTON, Va. — Approximately 90 Soldiers from the Leesburg-based Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assisted Arlington County Police with pedestrian traffic flow near the Roosevelt and 14th Street Bridges Jan. 21, 2013, for the 57th Presidential Inauguration. In addition to helping maintain safety and security for one of largest tourist events to take place in the Washington, D. C. area, the mission also provided the unit with valuable training for missions both here in Virginia and overseas. Soldiers from Company C helped make sure that pedestrians leaving Washington, D. C. were able to successfully and safely make their way to public transit locations in Arlington on Inauguration Day, but the work started weeks...

    Infantry Soldiers assist Arlington Police during 57th Presidential Inauguration

    Posted on January 24, 2013 | No Comments
    ARLINGTON, Va. — Approximately 90 Soldiers from the Leesburg-based Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assisted Arlington County Police with pedestrian traffic flow near the Roosevelt and 14th Street Bridges Jan. 21, 2013, for the 57th Presidential Inauguration. In addition to helping maintain safety and security for one of largest tourist events to take place in the Washington, D. C. area, the mission also provided the unit with valuable training for missions both here in Virginia and overseas. Soldiers from Company C helped make sure that pedestrians leaving Washington, D. C. were able to successfully and safely make their way to public transit locations in Arlington on Inauguration Day, but the work started weeks...

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  • FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Bowling Green-based 189th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion provided the latest in military mobile bridging technology in support of Civil War reenactors during the observation of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 8, 2012. Members of the Virginia Defense Force also supported the event with traffic control and visitor assistance, and the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team provided a color guard and howitzer for the weekend’s final events Dec. 9. “This is a great training opportunity for the Soldiers of the 189th to be able to assemble the bridge on a flowing river,” said 1st Lt. Marianne E. Heldmann, commander of the 189th. “This mission also required coordination...

    Va. Guard and VDF support 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg

    Posted on December 13, 2012 | No Comments
    FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Bowling Green-based 189th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion provided the latest in military mobile bridging technology in support of Civil War reenactors during the observation of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 8, 2012. Members of the Virginia Defense Force also supported the event with traffic control and visitor assistance, and the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team provided a color guard and howitzer for the weekend’s final events Dec. 9. “This is a great training opportunity for the Soldiers of the 189th to be able to assemble the bridge on a flowing river,” said 1st Lt. Marianne E. Heldmann, commander of the 189th. “This mission also required coordination...

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  • RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Bob McDonnell ceremonially signed a proclamation designating December as “Virginia National Guard Appreciation and Recognition Month” in the Commonwealth of Virginia Dec. 7, 2012, at a ceremony in Richmond. Governor McDonnell was joined by Secretary of Public Safety Marla Graff Decker and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, in recognizing members of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force. “This proclamation, in a small way, recognizes the incredible sacrifice and service of the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Defense Force,” McDonnell said. “For the first time since 9/11 all Virginia Army Guard and Air Guard units are home with their families and loved ones for the holidays. Time and...

    Governor McDonnell signs proclamation declaring December as “Virginia National Guard Appreciation and Recognition Month”

    Posted on December 7, 2012 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Bob McDonnell ceremonially signed a proclamation designating December as “Virginia National Guard Appreciation and Recognition Month” in the Commonwealth of Virginia Dec. 7, 2012, at a ceremony in Richmond. Governor McDonnell was joined by Secretary of Public Safety Marla Graff Decker and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, in recognizing members of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force. “This proclamation, in a small way, recognizes the incredible sacrifice and service of the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Defense Force,” McDonnell said. “For the first time since 9/11 all Virginia Army Guard and Air Guard units are home with their families and loved ones for the holidays. Time and...

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  •   WINCHESTER, Va. – Lt. Col. Erik Gordon took command of the Virginia National Guard’s Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Brigade Combat Team from Lt. Col. Paul Gilman in a change of command ceremony held Dec. 1, 2012, at the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center. Gilman assumed command of 3rd Battalion in May 2010 after serving as commander of the Fort Pickett-based 1st Battalion, 183d Regional Training Institute beginning in August 2009. He earned his commission through ROTC at the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 1991. He began his military career as an engineer officer and served in the 229th Engineer Battalion as a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander and battalion operations officer. He transitioned to infantry...

    Change of command ceremony held for Winchester-based Virginia Guard infantry battalion

    Posted on December 1, 2012 | No Comments
      WINCHESTER, Va. – Lt. Col. Erik Gordon took command of the Virginia National Guard’s Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Brigade Combat Team from Lt. Col. Paul Gilman in a change of command ceremony held Dec. 1, 2012, at the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center. Gilman assumed command of 3rd Battalion in May 2010 after serving as commander of the Fort Pickett-based 1st Battalion, 183d Regional Training Institute beginning in August 2009. He earned his commission through ROTC at the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 1991. He began his military career as an engineer officer and served in the 229th Engineer Battalion as a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander and battalion operations officer. He transitioned to infantry...

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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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  • SANDSTON, Va. — Virginia National Guard personnel took part in Veterans Day observations across the commonwealth that included a wreath laying, speeches, static displays and marching in parades. At the Commonwealth Veterans Day Ceremony held Nov. 11, 2012, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented the Virginia National Guard memorial wreath in honor of past and present Veterans at the Shrine of Memory. “This is a time of remembrance and appreciation for those men and women who have served bravely and honorably in the defense and security of our nation,” Long said in his Veterans Day message. “Defending this great nation is a generational duty that continues today.”...

    Past and present Veterans honored

    Posted on November 14, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — Virginia National Guard personnel took part in Veterans Day observations across the commonwealth that included a wreath laying, speeches, static displays and marching in parades. At the Commonwealth Veterans Day Ceremony held Nov. 11, 2012, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented the Virginia National Guard memorial wreath in honor of past and present Veterans at the Shrine of Memory. “This is a time of remembrance and appreciation for those men and women who have served bravely and honorably in the defense and security of our nation,” Long said in his Veterans Day message. “Defending this great nation is a generational duty that continues today.”...

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  • STAUNTON, Va. — Soldiers, friends and family of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team past and present gathered Nov. 10 at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton to reconnect and to celebrate the 45th annual Muster of the 116th Infantry Regiment. Each year, Soldiers and veterans come together to honor the unit’s long legacy. “The Muster is a great opportunity to see old friends and learn more about America’s ‘Stonewall Brigade,’ past, present and future,” said retired Brig. Gen. Theodore G. Shuey Jr., the honorary colonel of the 116th Infantry Regiment. The theme of this year’s Muster centered on the new Stonewall Brigade Museum in Verona which opened its doors Saturday. “This is the 270th anniversary of the founding of...

    Regimental Muster for 116th Infantry held in Staunton

    Posted on November 13, 2012 | No Comments
    STAUNTON, Va. — Soldiers, friends and family of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team past and present gathered Nov. 10 at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton to reconnect and to celebrate the 45th annual Muster of the 116th Infantry Regiment. Each year, Soldiers and veterans come together to honor the unit’s long legacy. “The Muster is a great opportunity to see old friends and learn more about America’s ‘Stonewall Brigade,’ past, present and future,” said retired Brig. Gen. Theodore G. Shuey Jr., the honorary colonel of the 116th Infantry Regiment. The theme of this year’s Muster centered on the new Stonewall Brigade Museum in Verona which opened its doors Saturday. “This is the 270th anniversary of the founding of...

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  • STAUNTON, Va.—Friends, family and Soldiers of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will commemorate the service of the historical 116th Infantry Regiment Nov. 9-10 during the 45th Annual 116th Regimental Muster. The celebration will kick-off with a golf tournament Nov. 9, followed by a 5k fun run Nov. 10. The culminating event of the weekend will be a formal dinner and muster ceremony. “Historically, a muster was the day designated each year when all of the able-bodied residents in every community, in a developing America, assembled at the court house for roll call,” said retired Brig. Gen. Theodore G. Shuey, Jr., the honorary colonel of the 116th Regiment. “In this way leaders determined who could be counted on in the...

    Annual muster honors heritage of 116th Infantry Regiment

    Posted on November 9, 2012 | No Comments
    STAUNTON, Va.—Friends, family and Soldiers of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will commemorate the service of the historical 116th Infantry Regiment Nov. 9-10 during the 45th Annual 116th Regimental Muster. The celebration will kick-off with a golf tournament Nov. 9, followed by a 5k fun run Nov. 10. The culminating event of the weekend will be a formal dinner and muster ceremony. “Historically, a muster was the day designated each year when all of the able-bodied residents in every community, in a developing America, assembled at the court house for roll call,” said retired Brig. Gen. Theodore G. Shuey, Jr., the honorary colonel of the 116th Regiment. “In this way leaders determined who could be counted on in the...

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  • NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Fourteen Virginia Guard Soldiers traveled north to Maryland in October to requalify on their RQ-7B Shadow tactical unmanned aerial systems as part of their post-deployment reset training. The Soldiers, from the Bowling Green-based Detachment 1, Company B, 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, trained at Webster Field, part of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Oct. 14 – Nov. 4, reacquainting themselves with their Shadows as weather permitted, and riding out Hurricane Sandy when it didn’t. “The hurricane kind of delayed us,” said Sgt. Eric Mehaffey, a standardization instructor operator in the unit. “We weren’t able to fly because of it, but the first week was great.” The training conducted...

    Virginia unmanned aerial system platoon resets after Afghanistan deployment

    Posted on November 5, 2012 | No Comments
    NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Fourteen Virginia Guard Soldiers traveled north to Maryland in October to requalify on their RQ-7B Shadow tactical unmanned aerial systems as part of their post-deployment reset training. The Soldiers, from the Bowling Green-based Detachment 1, Company B, 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, trained at Webster Field, part of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Oct. 14 – Nov. 4, reacquainting themselves with their Shadows as weather permitted, and riding out Hurricane Sandy when it didn’t. “The hurricane kind of delayed us,” said Sgt. Eric Mehaffey, a standardization instructor operator in the unit. “We weren’t able to fly because of it, but the first week was great.” The training conducted...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard returned to normal operations Nov. 1, 2012, and all personnel on state active duty supporting Hurricane Sandy recovery operations were released from duty and returned to their home stations. Guard personnel began assisting Virginia State Police and local emergency response organizations late in the day Oct. 29 at numerous locations across Virginia, and at the height of operations had approximately 670 personnel working across the commonwealth. During that time they transported 42 civilians to safety, conducted almost 60 reconnaissance patrols to assess damage and report on route trafficability and performed 10 debris reduction missions. “Law enforcement personnel and the Virginia National Guard were the unsung heroes of the Hurricane Sandy response,” said Governor...

    Virginia Guard completes Hurricane Sandy response operations

    Posted on November 1, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard returned to normal operations Nov. 1, 2012, and all personnel on state active duty supporting Hurricane Sandy recovery operations were released from duty and returned to their home stations. Guard personnel began assisting Virginia State Police and local emergency response organizations late in the day Oct. 29 at numerous locations across Virginia, and at the height of operations had approximately 670 personnel working across the commonwealth. During that time they transported 42 civilians to safety, conducted almost 60 reconnaissance patrols to assess damage and report on route trafficability and performed 10 debris reduction missions. “Law enforcement personnel and the Virginia National Guard were the unsung heroes of the Hurricane Sandy response,” said Governor...

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  • LEESBURG, VA – Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Leesburg-based Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team provided a color guard and fired a 21-gun salute in support of a dedication ceremony for a memorial to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Oct. 13, 2012, in Leesburg. The Loudoun County War Memorial Trust Fund Committee held the ceremony for the new memorial located on the eastern monument on south lawn of the Loudoun County Courthouse. Col. John Epperly, commander of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, provided remarks honoring the fallen Soldiers and Marine, and Veterans of Foreign War Loudoun County Post 1177 laid wreaths and unveiled the names on the memorial. “The Leesburg and Loudoun...

    Virginia Guard supports dedication ceremony for Loudoun County memorial to Iraq and Afghanistan wars

    Posted on October 13, 2012 | No Comments
    LEESBURG, VA – Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Leesburg-based Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team provided a color guard and fired a 21-gun salute in support of a dedication ceremony for a memorial to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Oct. 13, 2012, in Leesburg. The Loudoun County War Memorial Trust Fund Committee held the ceremony for the new memorial located on the eastern monument on south lawn of the Loudoun County Courthouse. Col. John Epperly, commander of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, provided remarks honoring the fallen Soldiers and Marine, and Veterans of Foreign War Loudoun County Post 1177 laid wreaths and unveiled the names on the memorial. “The Leesburg and Loudoun...

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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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  • FORT PICKETT, Va. – Family members and friends of Virginia Guard Soldiers from the Hampton-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team observed live fire operations and participated in the firing of the unit’s howitzers Aug. 11 at Fort Pickett as part of Family Day. Family Day is an event hosted by the unit biennially and aims to give family members a first-hand glace into the military lives of their Soldiers. “This gives us an opportunity during one of our regularly scheduled live fire events to have families come down and it gives them a chance to see what their loved ones do on a drill weekend,” explained Capt. Brooks Rembert, Battery B commander. Many of...

    1-111th FA gives friends, family members chance to fire howitzers

    Posted on August 14, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT PICKETT, Va. – Family members and friends of Virginia Guard Soldiers from the Hampton-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team observed live fire operations and participated in the firing of the unit’s howitzers Aug. 11 at Fort Pickett as part of Family Day. Family Day is an event hosted by the unit biennially and aims to give family members a first-hand glace into the military lives of their Soldiers. “This gives us an opportunity during one of our regularly scheduled live fire events to have families come down and it gives them a chance to see what their loved ones do on a drill weekend,” explained Capt. Brooks Rembert, Battery B commander. Many of...

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  • FORT PICKETT, Va. — Soldiers from the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted less-than-lethal training with members of the Richmond City Police July 28 at Fort Pickett to increase their proficiency in providing support while pairing with civil authorities in a time of crisis. The battalion is designated as the Virginia Guard’s Incident Response Force Package and will be among the first units called to state active duty. “The concept of the operation was that there was a riot incited due to an explosion and (the Virginia Guard and Richmond Police) were called in to restore order and ensure the safety of the people throughout the town,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gustavo Sequeira, a...

    Lynchburg-based 1-116th, Richmond City Police partner to conduct less-than-lethal training

    Posted on July 30, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT PICKETT, Va. — Soldiers from the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted less-than-lethal training with members of the Richmond City Police July 28 at Fort Pickett to increase their proficiency in providing support while pairing with civil authorities in a time of crisis. The battalion is designated as the Virginia Guard’s Incident Response Force Package and will be among the first units called to state active duty. “The concept of the operation was that there was a riot incited due to an explosion and (the Virginia Guard and Richmond Police) were called in to restore order and ensure the safety of the people throughout the town,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gustavo Sequeira, a...

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  • WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Approximately 40 Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Hampton-based Provincial Reconstruction Team Security Force Platoon gathered July 22 in Williamsburg  to conduct a Freedom Salute in honor of their service in Afghanistan. The Soldiers returned home in late March after serving on federal active duty in Afghanistan since June 2011. “We started with the words discipline and honor, and they were our foundation,” said Capt. James Covington, commander of the platoon. “You guys lived up to those words, and then some. I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of everything you have done.” The Soldiers performed more than 640 security missions in support of PRT Uruzgan while the PRT was operating in potentially...

    Freedom Salute honors Security Force Platoon service in Afghanistan

    Posted on July 24, 2012 | No Comments
    WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Approximately 40 Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Hampton-based Provincial Reconstruction Team Security Force Platoon gathered July 22 in Williamsburg  to conduct a Freedom Salute in honor of their service in Afghanistan. The Soldiers returned home in late March after serving on federal active duty in Afghanistan since June 2011. “We started with the words discipline and honor, and they were our foundation,” said Capt. James Covington, commander of the platoon. “You guys lived up to those words, and then some. I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of everything you have done.” The Soldiers performed more than 640 security missions in support of PRT Uruzgan while the PRT was operating in potentially...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard brought more than 200 personnel on state active duty from June 30 to July 4 to support recovery operations in the wake of severe thunderstorms that struck across Virginia and caused wide-spread power outages. Soldiers distributed water and ice in Bedford, conducted reconnaissance patrols in the Fredericksburg and Lexington areas and Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force provided mission command and sustainment support in Sandston and Fort Pickett. “I was extremely pleased with the entire operation from how we alerted and staged our personnel to how we actually executed the missions,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “I think the Virginia Guard continues to be a rapidly...

    Virginia National Guard personnel assist in the wake of severe thunderstorms

    Posted on July 11, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard brought more than 200 personnel on state active duty from June 30 to July 4 to support recovery operations in the wake of severe thunderstorms that struck across Virginia and caused wide-spread power outages. Soldiers distributed water and ice in Bedford, conducted reconnaissance patrols in the Fredericksburg and Lexington areas and Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force provided mission command and sustainment support in Sandston and Fort Pickett. “I was extremely pleased with the entire operation from how we alerted and staged our personnel to how we actually executed the missions,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “I think the Virginia Guard continues to be a rapidly...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard is staging personnel in Fredericksburg and Lexington June 30 to be prepared for possible post-storm recovery operations after a series of severe storms struck Virginia June 29. The Virginia Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 personnel on state active duty and began staging approximately 110 personnel at the readiness center in Fredericksburg and 30 personnel at the readiness center in Lexington to be prepared for possible missions starting the morning of July 1. Additional personnel have been alerted for possible duty and will be held in reserve for possible future missions. Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency Saturday afternoon in response to severe weather that affected the Commonwealth Friday night. The declaration authorizes...

    Virginia Guard personnel preparing for possible post-storm recovery operations

    Posted on June 30, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard is staging personnel in Fredericksburg and Lexington June 30 to be prepared for possible post-storm recovery operations after a series of severe storms struck Virginia June 29. The Virginia Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 personnel on state active duty and began staging approximately 110 personnel at the readiness center in Fredericksburg and 30 personnel at the readiness center in Lexington to be prepared for possible missions starting the morning of July 1. Additional personnel have been alerted for possible duty and will be held in reserve for possible future missions. Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency Saturday afternoon in response to severe weather that affected the Commonwealth Friday night. The declaration authorizes...

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  • FORT A. P. HILL, Va. — Soldiers from the Fredericksburg-based 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team braved the heat June 20 at Fort A. P. Hill to test their Army Warrior skills in the 2nd Annual “Warrior Stakes” competition. Soldiers were tested in numerous tasks to earn bragging rights for their company in one of the key events during the battalion’s annual training from June 9 to 23. “The competitive juices have been flowing the past several months,” said Lt. Col. Chris Doss, commander the 116th BSTB. “We have increased the intensity for this year’s event, and the Soldiers have trained harder. We should see better results because of that.” The event began with an air mobile insertion courtesy of the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224 Aviation Regiment, 91st Troop Command. Then Soldiers...

    “Warrior Stakes” tests 116th BSTB Soldier skills

    Posted on June 27, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT A. P. HILL, Va. — Soldiers from the Fredericksburg-based 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team braved the heat June 20 at Fort A. P. Hill to test their Army Warrior skills in the 2nd Annual “Warrior Stakes” competition. Soldiers were tested in numerous tasks to earn bragging rights for their company in one of the key events during the battalion’s annual training from June 9 to 23. “The competitive juices have been flowing the past several months,” said Lt. Col. Chris Doss, commander the 116th BSTB. “We have increased the intensity for this year’s event, and the Soldiers have trained harder. We should see better results because of that.” The event began with an air mobile insertion courtesy of the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224 Aviation Regiment, 91st Troop Command. Then Soldiers...

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