2012 Commonwealth’s Guardian Newsletter

Issue #25-12 (December 14, 2012) Governor declares December as Va. Guard Month ~ Va. Guard supports Fredericksburg reenactment ~ Last Va. Guard air crew returns from Southwest Border mission ~ Va. Guard works to improve sustainability efforts ~ Change of command held for Winchester-based infantry battalion ~ AG, Va. Guard staff on hand as Governor receives keys to new center

Issue #24-12 (November 30, 2012) Governor thanks Va. Guard and VSP ~ Communications teams keeps units talking ~ New state command chief promoted to CW5 ~ Va. Guard’s 29th Division Band to play for Capitol Tree Lighting ~ Virginia Guard marksman selected for All-Guard Marksmanship Team ~ Data Processing Unit welcomes incoming commander

Issue #23-12 (November 16, 2012) Past and present Veterans honored ~ Soldiers compete for national food service honors ~ Regimental Muster for 116th Infantry held in Staunton ~ Scott promoted to brigadier general ~ Air Guard engineers conduct FTX focused on mobility and deployment skills ~ Unmanned aerial system platoon resets after Afghanistan deployment

Issue #22-12 (November 2, 2012) Va. Guard wraps up Hurricane Sandy support ~ Soldiers rescue citizens stranded by high water ~ House Bill No. 1217 honors SW Va. fallen heroes ~ Virginia Guard MPs train on new Armored Security Vehicles ~ Virginia Guard equipment gets tagged for easier tracking ~ Ceremony marks grant award to fund burial containers for veteransl

Issue #21-12 (October 19, 2012) New commander takes charge of 29th ID ~ DPU Soldiers complete UK cyber exercise ~ Virginia Guard assists DEA in drug destruction ~ Virginia Guard’s newest NCO honored in NCO Induction Ceremony ~ Soldiers better prepared for unit movement challenges after UMO course ~ Va. Guard supports dedication ceremony for Loudoun County memorial

Issue #20-12 (October 5, 2012) VDF conducts annual training muster ~ 183rd RTI marks completion of new facility ~ Sling load operations provide valuable training to Virginia Guard aviators ~ Virginia Guard’s 183rd RTI trains new rappel masters ~ Engineers compete for bragging rights as “best squad” ~ Va. Army, Air National Guard troops work with the Tajik Army on fieldcraft

Issue #19-12 (September 21, 2012) Freedom Salute honors 29th ID Soldiers ~ Governor and First Lady thank Va. Guard ~ Data Processing Unit conducts cyber defense exercise ~ Virginia Guard Soldiers, Airmen train at CERFP University ~ Food, dance featured at Virginia Guard Hispanic Heritage Month celebration ~ Air Guard Recruiters meet potential recruits at Oceana Air Show

Issue #18-12 (September 7, 2012) Air Guard engineers demolish derelict structures ~ Engineer service projects improve communities ~ Virginia Guard aviators depart to support Southwest border mission ~ Counterdrug Task Force supports camp for at-risk kids ~ OCS Class 54 conducts service project in Blackstone ~ Virginia shooters represent at regional marksmanship competition

Issue #17-12 (August 24, 2012) Transportation company begins deployment training ~ 203rd RED HORSE Airmen recognized ~ Children of Guard Soldiers, Airmen enjoy 7th annual Youth Camp ~ Fiscal law course prepares personnel for contracting responsibilities ~ Resolution delivered to Gate City-based transportation battalion ~ 1-111th FA gives friends, family members chance to fire howitzers

Issue #16-12 (August 10, 2012) Infantry and Richmond PD conduct joint training ~ Va. Guard engineers bridge the gap ~ 192nd IS, Civil Air Patrol exercise GIIEP capabilities ~ 183rd RTI welcomes West Virginia’s CST during JRSOI training ~ CERFP successfully conducts continuous disaster response exercise ~ Week-long exercise tests Virginia Guard’s ability to respond

Issue #15-12 (July 27, 2012) Freedom Salute honors service in Afghanistan ~ RTI rappel masters challenge youth ~ Virginia Guard honors, thanks volunteers for their support ~ Virginia Regional Training Institute trains Soldiers as infantrymen ~ STARBASE Academy launches in Winchester ~ Virginia troops lead exchange with Tajikistan Peacekeeping Battalion

Issue #14-12 (July 13, 2012) 29th ID Soldiers return to U.S. from Afghan duty ~ Va. Guard assists with storm response ~ RED HORSE Squadron members return from deployment to California ~ Virginia Guard celebrates 4th annual Diversity Day ~ 29th ID Annual Training culminates with DSCA exercise Virginia Guard Soldiers compete for top honors in state rifle match

Issue #13-12 (June 29, 2012) Va. Soldiers sharpen warrior skills during AT ~ Wilderness Camp welcomes military kids ~ Gate City-based transporters gain real-world experience during AT ~ “Warrior Stakes” tests 116th BSTB Soldier skills ~ MPs train at Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Training Center ~ 429th BSB runs supply convoys to feed, fuel, arm 116th IBCT

Issue #12-12 (June 15, 2012) D-Day sacrifices remembered on 68th anniversary ~ Soldiers perform community service projects ~ Virginia school house provides training to light infantry leaders ~ Sandston-based aviation battalion welcomes new commander ~ Va. Soldiers support funeral for D-Day veteran ~ Medical Group First Sergeant receives Commandant Award

Issue #11-12 (June 1, 2012) Fallen Virginians remembered on Memorial Day ~ AG and Air Guard leaders brief “State of the State” ~ 116th BCT HQs holds Freedom Salute to honor service in Afghanistan ~ Task Force Punisher Soldiers hold Freedom Salute honoring service in Iraq ~ Soldiers compete for top state honors in pistol marksmanship ~ Engineers crush rock for range improvements at Fort Pickett

Issue #10-12 (May 18, 2012) 34th CST evaluated as fully mission capable ~ Exercise tests communications for lane reversal mission ~ Soldiers focus on squad training at Fort A. P. Hill ~ 203rd RED HORSE Airmen tackle new Qualification Course at SMR ~ 29th ID veterans, commander lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ~ Partners in Care initiative links groups with Soldiers and Airmen in need

Issue #09-12 (May 4, 2012) Top Virginia Army National Guard units recognized ~ VDF training focuses on professionalism and readiness ~ Daughter of Virginia Soldier recognized as one of the top “Military Kids” ~ Virginia Guard Military Funeral Honors Program honors veterans ~ Virginia Army National Guard welcomes three new lieutenants ~ Fort Pickett celebrates Earth Day

Issue #08-12 (April 20, 2012) Freedom Salute honors Task Force 183 service in Iraq ~ New commander takes charge of Fort Pickett ~ Chemical Company gains proficiency on new detection equipment ~ Va. Guard hosts Community Leadership Conference in Leesburg ~ 116th BSTB conducts combined arms exercise ~ Virginia Guard hones less-than-lethal training skills

Issue #07-12 (April 6, 2012) Security Force Platoon returns to Va. after Afghan duty ~ Va. Soldier honored at Women’s History event ~ Best warrior competition held for Virginia ~ Equipment demob site saves money, time as units return from overseas ~ Secretary of the Army shows appreciation to the Soldiers of the 29th ID ~ 192nd Fighter Wing receives new F-22 Raptor flagship

Issue #06-12 (March 23, 2012) Virginia Airmen support humanitarian mission ~ Virginia Guard celebrates Women’s History ~ Virginia artillery Soldiers represent the modern military history event ~ SEL awards combat medals to Emporia WWII veteran ~ Virginia and D.C. Guard weather flights team up for tactical training ~ Va. ESGR provides assistance for veterans seeking jobs

Issue #05-12 (March 9, 2012) Legislators recognize Va. Guard accomplishments ~ Memorial held for 203rd RED HORSE crash ~ 192nd Fighter Wing welcomes new commander ~ Canadian Forces invade Virginia during Exercise Southbound Trooper ~ 29th Infantry Division honors Women’s History Month ~ 29th ID officer from Maryland Guard identified as casualty in Afghanistan

Issue #04-12 (February 24, 2012) Va. Soldiers, Airmen participate in Global Guardian ~ D-Day veteran from 116th Infantry recognized ~ 29th ID Soldiers in Afghanistan serve at National Military Command Center ~ Chemical Company trains for new mission as decontamination unit ~ Reception exercise welcomes hundreds to Fort Pickett ~ VDF tests communications capabilities

Issue #03-12 (February 10, 2012) Freedom Salute honors 29th ID service in Afghanistan Virginia Air Guard selects 2011 Outstanding Airmen Fort Pickett dedicates National Guard proposed museum Marines conduct experimental exercise at Fort Pickett Commander’s conference brings VDF leaders to Fort Pickett Black History Month program focuses on role of African American women

Issue #02-12 (January 27, 2012) Va. Guard displays capabilities for General Assembly ~ Air Guard groups recognized with Outstanding Unit Award ~ Governor and legislators commend Virginia Guard ~ New commander for 192nd Fighter Wing announced ~ ChalleNGe candidates tackle rappel tower during “Hard Core” phase ~ Virginia Defense Force selects 2011 NCO of the Year

Issue #01-12 (January 13, 2012) Staunton-based 116th BCT HQs returns to Virginia ~ Gate City-based unit wins runner-up food service award ~ Governor McDonnell recognizes Virginia Guard Soldiers during speech ~ Virginia Guard teen program graduates 116 cadets ~ Former state command sergeant major concludes 56 years of service ~ New commander takes charge of Norfolk-based field artillery unit