Adjutant General Archive

  • SANDSTON, Va. — More than 600 Virginia Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined a force of approximately 6,000 National Guard personnel from 35 states and territories supporting the 57th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington, D. C. and Northern Virginia. The support from the Virginia Guard helped maintain the safety and security for the event, but it also helped prepare the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force to be able to anticipate requirements and rapidly respond for future known and no-notice events. “Our support to the inauguration was outstanding,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “I think anytime you can get Soldiers and Airmen on the ground, working...

    Support missions for 57th Presidential Inauguration help Va. Guard prepare for future operations

    Posted on January 27, 2013 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — More than 600 Virginia Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined a force of approximately 6,000 National Guard personnel from 35 states and territories supporting the 57th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington, D. C. and Northern Virginia. The support from the Virginia Guard helped maintain the safety and security for the event, but it also helped prepare the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force to be able to anticipate requirements and rapidly respond for future known and no-notice events. “Our support to the inauguration was outstanding,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “I think anytime you can get Soldiers and Airmen on the ground, working...

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  • RICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force will be on hand Jan. 15, 2013, with equipment displays in the Darden Garden outside the Virginia General Assembly Building in Richmond from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to demonstrate some of the capabilities the Guard and VDF can provide while on state active duty. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long. Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, will host a reception for members of the General Assembly from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the 5th Floor West Conference Room in the General Assembly Building. Senior Virginia Guard leaders will be in attendance to answer questions and provide insights into the missions and capabilities...

    Virginia Guard personnel scheduled to display equipment outside General Assembly building Jan. 15

    Posted on January 14, 2013 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force will be on hand Jan. 15, 2013, with equipment displays in the Darden Garden outside the Virginia General Assembly Building in Richmond from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to demonstrate some of the capabilities the Guard and VDF can provide while on state active duty. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long. Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, will host a reception for members of the General Assembly from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the 5th Floor West Conference Room in the General Assembly Building. Senior Virginia Guard leaders will be in attendance to answer questions and provide insights into the missions and capabilities...

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  • RICHMOND, Va. — During the 2013 State of the Commonwealth Address delivered at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond Jan. 9, 2013, Governor Bob McDonnell recognized the Virginia National Guard for accomplishments during the year. “We don’t have to look far for inspiration from our brave and caring people,” McDonnell said in the address. “On the rain-soaked night of October 30th as Hurricane Sandy’s waters rose swiftly in Accomack County, Virginia National Guard Soldiers trudged through high water to clear a path to transport seven adults and a child out of harm’s way. Another rescue required Guardsmen to carry a citizen 200 yards through chest-high water to safety. Virginia Guard personnel rescued 42 citizens during Hurricane Sandy.” McDonnell recognized 1st...

    Governor recognizes Va. Guard during State of the Commonwealth Address

    Posted on January 10, 2013 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — During the 2013 State of the Commonwealth Address delivered at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond Jan. 9, 2013, Governor Bob McDonnell recognized the Virginia National Guard for accomplishments during the year. “We don’t have to look far for inspiration from our brave and caring people,” McDonnell said in the address. “On the rain-soaked night of October 30th as Hurricane Sandy’s waters rose swiftly in Accomack County, Virginia National Guard Soldiers trudged through high water to clear a path to transport seven adults and a child out of harm’s way. Another rescue required Guardsmen to carry a citizen 200 yards through chest-high water to safety. Virginia Guard personnel rescued 42 citizens during Hurricane Sandy.” McDonnell recognized 1st...

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  • VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — One hundred and fifty two cadets of Class 37 of the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Program walked across the stage Dec. 22 at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach for the second largest graduating class in ChalleNGe history. Cadets received congratulations from retired Col. Jimmy J. Chandler, Director of ChalleNGe, retired Lt. Cmdr. Richard Guzman, Deputy Commander of ChalleNGe, and Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, who was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Brig. Gen. Wayne A. Wright, the Deputy Adjutant General of Virginia, Brig. Gen. Janice Igou, Virginia National Guard Director of Interagency Operations, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia...

    Commonwealth ChalleNGe graduates 152 at Virginia Beach ceremony

    Posted on December 24, 2012 | No Comments
    VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — One hundred and fifty two cadets of Class 37 of the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Program walked across the stage Dec. 22 at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach for the second largest graduating class in ChalleNGe history. Cadets received congratulations from retired Col. Jimmy J. Chandler, Director of ChalleNGe, retired Lt. Cmdr. Richard Guzman, Deputy Commander of ChalleNGe, and Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, who was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Brig. Gen. Wayne A. Wright, the Deputy Adjutant General of Virginia, Brig. Gen. Janice Igou, Virginia National Guard Director of Interagency Operations, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia...

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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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  • 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. — The 2012 Holiday Video Message from Governor Bob McDonnell and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, is available online at the following links: View the video on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151314775236131 Download the video in WMV format: http://ow.ly/fHo83 Download the video in MOV format: http://ow.ly/fHoak Share

    Holiday Video Message from Governor and AG available online

    Posted on November 30, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The 2012 Holiday Video Message from Governor Bob McDonnell and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, is available online at the following links: View the video on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151314775236131 Download the video in WMV format: http://ow.ly/fHo83 Download the video in MOV format: http://ow.ly/fHoak Share

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  • BLACKSTONE, Va. — Chief Warrant Officer 4 William Lyles was promoted to chief warrant officer 5 in a promotion ceremony held Nov. 21, 2012, at Fort Pickett. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, hosted the event and “pinned on” the new rank for the state’s senior warrant officer. He officially began serving Nov. 1 as the state command chief warrant officer. In that position, he serves as the senior warrant officer in the state managing the military aspects of all full time and traditional National Guard warrant officers. He is the primary advisor and spokesperson regarding issues related to the analysis and enforcement of established policies and standards for all warrant officers and is responsible...

    New state command chief promoted to CW5

    Posted on November 29, 2012 | No Comments
    BLACKSTONE, Va. — Chief Warrant Officer 4 William Lyles was promoted to chief warrant officer 5 in a promotion ceremony held Nov. 21, 2012, at Fort Pickett. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, hosted the event and “pinned on” the new rank for the state’s senior warrant officer. He officially began serving Nov. 1 as the state command chief warrant officer. In that position, he serves as the senior warrant officer in the state managing the military aspects of all full time and traditional National Guard warrant officers. He is the primary advisor and spokesperson regarding issues related to the analysis and enforcement of established policies and standards for all warrant officers and is responsible...

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  • The 2012 Holiday Video Message from Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Green, the Virginia Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, is available online at the following links: View the video on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10100864180302796  Download in WMV format: http://ow.ly/fEWD5 Download in MOV format: http://ow.ly/fEWLO Share

    Adjutant General and Senior Enlisted Leader Holiday Video Message available online

    Posted on November 28, 2012 | No Comments
    The 2012 Holiday Video Message from Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Green, the Virginia Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, is available online at the following links: View the video on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10100864180302796  Download in WMV format: http://ow.ly/fEWD5 Download in MOV format: http://ow.ly/fEWLO Share

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  •   RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell thanked members of the Virginia State Police and Virginia National Guard for their work during security operations at the National Governor’s Association Conference during a reception held Nov. 19, 2012, at the Executive Mansion in Richmond. The NGA Conference brought more than 40 governors to Williamsburg in July 2012, and McDonnell praised the VSP and Virginia Guard for their effective partnership and playing a key role in how smoothly the event was conducted. In addition, McDonnell recognized the two public safety organizations for their work during several severe weather events that impacted the commonwealth over the last three years. “The coordination between the Virginia State Police and the Virginia National Guard has...

    Governor recognizes Va. State Police and Va. Guard for support during Governor’s Association Conference

    Posted on November 21, 2012 | No Comments
      RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell thanked members of the Virginia State Police and Virginia National Guard for their work during security operations at the National Governor’s Association Conference during a reception held Nov. 19, 2012, at the Executive Mansion in Richmond. The NGA Conference brought more than 40 governors to Williamsburg in July 2012, and McDonnell praised the VSP and Virginia Guard for their effective partnership and playing a key role in how smoothly the event was conducted. In addition, McDonnell recognized the two public safety organizations for their work during several severe weather events that impacted the commonwealth over the last three years. “The coordination between the Virginia State Police and the Virginia National Guard has...

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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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  • BRISTOL, Tenn. — Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., Adjutant General of Virginia, Maj. Gen. Terry M. Haston, Adjutant General of Tennessee, and several distinguished members of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve welcomed several Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee business leaders to a Veterans Day and Employers Recognition Luncheon Nov. 8 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 “to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.” Steve Villalpando, the ESGR Virginia Committee chairman, highlighted the important role the ESGR is playing in today’s fight. “Traditionally...

    Va., Tenn. National Guard leaders attend ESGR Veterans Day and Employers Recognition Luncheon

    Posted on November 13, 2012 | No Comments
    BRISTOL, Tenn. — Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., Adjutant General of Virginia, Maj. Gen. Terry M. Haston, Adjutant General of Tennessee, and several distinguished members of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve welcomed several Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee business leaders to a Veterans Day and Employers Recognition Luncheon Nov. 8 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 “to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.” Steve Villalpando, the ESGR Virginia Committee chairman, highlighted the important role the ESGR is playing in today’s fight. “Traditionally...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — This Sunday, the Nation will celebrate Veterans Day. At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we will honor the contributions of the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day to mark the cessation of World War I; in 1954 the scope of the observance was expanded and renamed Veterans Day. 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. Defending this great nation is a generational duty that continues today. To all...

    Adjutant General’s Veterans Day Message

    Posted on November 11, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — This Sunday, the Nation will celebrate Veterans Day. At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we will honor the contributions of the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day to mark the cessation of World War I; in 1954 the scope of the observance was expanded and renamed Veterans Day. 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. Defending this great nation is a generational duty that continues today. To all...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. – Col. Steven T. Scott was promoted to brigadier general Nov. 3 at the Virginia National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Sandston in a ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. Scott serves at the Assistant Adjutant General – Joint Staff and oversees the readiness, staffing, equipping and funding of the joint staff. The joint staff has responsibility for planning the Virginia Guard’s support for defense support to civil authorities and provides mission command, sustainment and other support functions when Virginia Guard personnel are on state active duty working with state and local emergency response organizations. Scott most recently served on the Virginia Guard joint staff as the director of plans...

    Scott promoted to brigadier general

    Posted on November 6, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Col. Steven T. Scott was promoted to brigadier general Nov. 3 at the Virginia National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Sandston in a ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. Scott serves at the Assistant Adjutant General – Joint Staff and oversees the readiness, staffing, equipping and funding of the joint staff. The joint staff has responsibility for planning the Virginia Guard’s support for defense support to civil authorities and provides mission command, sustainment and other support functions when Virginia Guard personnel are on state active duty working with state and local emergency response organizations. Scott most recently served on the Virginia Guard joint staff as the director of plans...

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  • AMELIA, Va. — The Virginia Deparrtment of Veterans Services held a check presentation and groundbreaking ceremony at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia Oct. 22, 2012, to mark a $1.6 million grant award to be used to retrofit the cemetery with double depth, pre-installed outer burial containers. Outer burial containers are similar to vaults and house the casket, protecting it from the elements. David Schettler, deputy undersecretary for management from the National Cemetery Administration, presented DVS Commissioner Paul Galanti with a ceremonial check as part of the event. “Pre-installation of outer burial containers will bring Virginia’s state cemeteries up to the standards of national veterans cemeteries, such as Quantico and Culpeper,” explained Galanti. “Federal cemeteries provide outer burial containers to...

    Ceremony at Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia marks grant award to fund burial containers to veterans at no cost

    Posted on October 22, 2012 | No Comments
    AMELIA, Va. — The Virginia Deparrtment of Veterans Services held a check presentation and groundbreaking ceremony at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia Oct. 22, 2012, to mark a $1.6 million grant award to be used to retrofit the cemetery with double depth, pre-installed outer burial containers. Outer burial containers are similar to vaults and house the casket, protecting it from the elements. David Schettler, deputy undersecretary for management from the National Cemetery Administration, presented DVS Commissioner Paul Galanti with a ceremonial check as part of the event. “Pre-installation of outer burial containers will bring Virginia’s state cemeteries up to the standards of national veterans cemeteries, such as Quantico and Culpeper,” explained Galanti. “Federal cemeteries provide outer burial containers to...

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  • FORT BELVOIR, Va. — A Freedom Salute was held Sept. 16 on Fort Belvoir, Va., to formally welcome home the approximately 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division who recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. The Soldiers were assigned to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Afghan National Security Force Development Team and served as advisors and mentors to senior Afghan leaders. The Freedom Salute honored the Soldiers as well as their families for their support and sacrifice during the deployment. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Charles Whittington, Jr., 29th Infantry Division deputy commanding general and ANSF-DEV Director,  shook hands and presented Soldiers and spouses with commemorative items as small tokens of gratitude...

    Freedom Salute honors returning 29th ID Soldiers

    Posted on September 17, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT BELVOIR, Va. — A Freedom Salute was held Sept. 16 on Fort Belvoir, Va., to formally welcome home the approximately 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division who recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. The Soldiers were assigned to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Afghan National Security Force Development Team and served as advisors and mentors to senior Afghan leaders. The Freedom Salute honored the Soldiers as well as their families for their support and sacrifice during the deployment. Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Charles Whittington, Jr., 29th Infantry Division deputy commanding general and ANSF-DEV Director,  shook hands and presented Soldiers and spouses with commemorative items as small tokens of gratitude...

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  • To the Virginia National Guard, Civilian Employees, Families and Friends The first Labor Day observance was celebrated on September, 5, 1878, in New York City by the Central Labor Union of New York, the nation’s first integrated major trade union. Known as the “workingmen’s holiday,” the Central Labor Union encouraged unions in other cities to adopt the observance. The state of Oregon was the first state to legally recognize the holiday in 1887, while Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894.  As famously described by Theodore Roosevelt “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day is dedicated to the economic and social contributions...

    Adjutant General’s Labor Day Message

    Posted on August 30, 2012 | No Comments
    To the Virginia National Guard, Civilian Employees, Families and Friends The first Labor Day observance was celebrated on September, 5, 1878, in New York City by the Central Labor Union of New York, the nation’s first integrated major trade union. Known as the “workingmen’s holiday,” the Central Labor Union encouraged unions in other cities to adopt the observance. The state of Oregon was the first state to legally recognize the holiday in 1887, while Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894.  As famously described by Theodore Roosevelt “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day is dedicated to the economic and social contributions...

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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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  • RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers who died while serving overseas in the Global War on Terror were remembered along with 263 fellow Virginians during the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony held May 28 at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. For the first time, the Memorial Day event incorporated the Wall of Honor ceremony which was previously held at the State Capitol. The Wall of Honor recognizes those Virginians who lost their lives in the Global War on Terror. “To all the families whose loved ones are pictured on the Wall of Honor, we can never express with appropriate words the sacrifice and pain you have been through for our great nation,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell. “For that, we...

    Fallen Virginians remembered on Memorial Day

    Posted on May 30, 2012 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers who died while serving overseas in the Global War on Terror were remembered along with 263 fellow Virginians during the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony held May 28 at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. For the first time, the Memorial Day event incorporated the Wall of Honor ceremony which was previously held at the State Capitol. The Wall of Honor recognizes those Virginians who lost their lives in the Global War on Terror. “To all the families whose loved ones are pictured on the Wall of Honor, we can never express with appropriate words the sacrifice and pain you have been through for our great nation,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell. “For that, we...

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  • Memorial Day grew from a Civil War tradition of women’s groups gathering each year to decorate the graves of those whose lives were lost; two decades after that bloody conflict, some wondered why the holiday was necessary. One of its veterans, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. – later a Supreme Court justice - argued remembrance was not only relevant, but a duty to the fallen. “It is for us to bear the report to those who come after us,” Holmes stated. Many Americans across the country will celebrate Memorial Day as a welcome day of rest from the rigors of work and most importantly, an occasion to reflect, remember, and honor all those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation. Since the 9/11 attacks against America,...

    Adjutant General’s 2012 Memorial Day Message

    Posted on May 25, 2012 | No Comments
    Memorial Day grew from a Civil War tradition of women’s groups gathering each year to decorate the graves of those whose lives were lost; two decades after that bloody conflict, some wondered why the holiday was necessary. One of its veterans, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. – later a Supreme Court justice - argued remembrance was not only relevant, but a duty to the fallen. “It is for us to bear the report to those who come after us,” Holmes stated. Many Americans across the country will celebrate Memorial Day as a welcome day of rest from the rigors of work and most importantly, an occasion to reflect, remember, and honor all those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation. Since the 9/11 attacks against America,...

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