29th Infantry Division Archive

  • FORT LEE, Va. — More 100 Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard and friends of Maj. Gen Frank E. Batts, the former commander of the historic 29th Infantry Division, celebrated his career with a retirement ceremony Feb. 10, 2013, at Fort Lee. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without you,” said Batts to the assembled crowd. “I know the sacrifices you make – time away from your family – and I want to personally thank you for everything. This dinner is not for me, but for all of you.” Batts, whose military career began in 1976 as an officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, is no stranger to...

    Former 29th Infantry Division Commander praised during retirement dinner at Fort Lee

    Posted on February 12, 2013 | No Comments
    FORT LEE, Va. — More 100 Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard and friends of Maj. Gen Frank E. Batts, the former commander of the historic 29th Infantry Division, celebrated his career with a retirement ceremony Feb. 10, 2013, at Fort Lee. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without you,” said Batts to the assembled crowd. “I know the sacrifices you make – time away from your family – and I want to personally thank you for everything. This dinner is not for me, but for all of you.” Batts, whose military career began in 1976 as an officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, is no stranger to...

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  • FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division, the unit that once stormed the beaches of Normandy, today tackled a different objective: training to deter possible assaults on a Presidential Inauguration and responding to catastrophic disasters during a four-day civil support exercise held Jan. 21-23, 2013 at Fort Belvoir. “I am continually impressed by the Soldiers and officers of the 29th Infantry Division,” said Maj. Gen. Charles Whittington, commander of the 29th ID. “This exercise helps us prepare for any domestic emergencies that require support of local, state or federal agencies. We have rehearsed possible criminal attempts to disrupt the Presidential Inauguration along with natural disaster contingencies.” Beginning Oct. 1, 2013, the 29th Infantry Division will be the main...

    Soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division conduct civil support exercise during annual training

    Posted on January 25, 2013 | No Comments
    FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division, the unit that once stormed the beaches of Normandy, today tackled a different objective: training to deter possible assaults on a Presidential Inauguration and responding to catastrophic disasters during a four-day civil support exercise held Jan. 21-23, 2013 at Fort Belvoir. “I am continually impressed by the Soldiers and officers of the 29th Infantry Division,” said Maj. Gen. Charles Whittington, commander of the 29th ID. “This exercise helps us prepare for any domestic emergencies that require support of local, state or federal agencies. We have rehearsed possible criminal attempts to disrupt the Presidential Inauguration along with natural disaster contingencies.” Beginning Oct. 1, 2013, the 29th Infantry Division will be the main...

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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. — The Virginia National Guard’s Clifton Forge-based 29th Division Band will provide holiday music for the 2012 Capitol Tree Lighting and Tribute to Our Military scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at 5 p.m. at the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol. Governor Bob McDonnell and Mrs. McDonnell will host the event, and the public is invited to attend. The entire band will play for the tree lighting, then divide up into small groups to play inside the Executive Mansion and showcase the talent in the band during an Open House, explained Sgt. First Class Richard A. Carr Jr., readiness noncommissioned officer for the 29th Division Band. “This is the first time the band has performed at...

    Va. Guard’s 29th Division Band to play for Capitol Tree Lighting

    Posted on November 27, 2012 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard’s Clifton Forge-based 29th Division Band will provide holiday music for the 2012 Capitol Tree Lighting and Tribute to Our Military scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at 5 p.m. at the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol. Governor Bob McDonnell and Mrs. McDonnell will host the event, and the public is invited to attend. The entire band will play for the tree lighting, then divide up into small groups to play inside the Executive Mansion and showcase the talent in the band during an Open House, explained Sgt. First Class Richard A. Carr Jr., readiness noncommissioned officer for the 29th Division Band. “This is the first time the band has performed at...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia Guardsman Spc. Steven Fletcher, of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division, honed his marksmanship skills early. “I have grown up hunting and shooting, and have always enjoyed it,” Fletcher said. Now, Fletcher holds a coveted spot on the All-Guard Marksmanship Team, shooting on both the combat and pistol teams. It all started when Fletcher, originally from Warrenton and currently residing in Culpeper, signed up to compete in his unit’s marksmanship competition, held earlier this year over the unit’s annual training period. The top four shooters from that competition, which included Fletcher, formed a team and represented their unit at the state level competition, held in June at Fort Pickett, Va. Again, Fletcher earned a top spot...

    Virginia Guard marksman selected for All-Guard Marksmanship Team

    Posted on November 17, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia Guardsman Spc. Steven Fletcher, of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division, honed his marksmanship skills early. “I have grown up hunting and shooting, and have always enjoyed it,” Fletcher said. Now, Fletcher holds a coveted spot on the All-Guard Marksmanship Team, shooting on both the combat and pistol teams. It all started when Fletcher, originally from Warrenton and currently residing in Culpeper, signed up to compete in his unit’s marksmanship competition, held earlier this year over the unit’s annual training period. The top four shooters from that competition, which included Fletcher, formed a team and represented their unit at the state level competition, held in June at Fort Pickett, Va. Again, Fletcher earned a top spot...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia Guardsman Spc. Steven Fletcher, of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division, honed his marksmanship skills early. “I have grown up hunting and shooting, and have always enjoyed it,” Fletcher said. Now, Fletcher holds a coveted spot on the All-Guard Marksmanship Team, shooting on both the combat and pistol teams. It all started when Fletcher, originally from Warrenton and currently residing in Culpeper, signed up to compete in his unit’s marksmanship competition, held earlier this year over the unit’s annual training period. The top four shooters from that competition, which included Fletcher, formed a team and represented their unit at the state level competition, held in June at Fort Pickett, Va. Again, Fletcher earned a top spot...

    Virginia Guard marksman selected for All-Guard Marksmanship Team

    Posted on November 16, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia Guardsman Spc. Steven Fletcher, of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division, honed his marksmanship skills early. “I have grown up hunting and shooting, and have always enjoyed it,” Fletcher said. Now, Fletcher holds a coveted spot on the All-Guard Marksmanship Team, shooting on both the combat and pistol teams. It all started when Fletcher, originally from Warrenton and currently residing in Culpeper, signed up to compete in his unit’s marksmanship competition, held earlier this year over the unit’s annual training period. The top four shooters from that competition, which included Fletcher, formed a team and represented their unit at the state level competition, held in June at Fort Pickett, Va. Again, Fletcher earned a top spot...

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  • FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, outgoing commander of the 29th Infantry Division, passed the colors symbolizing the transfer of command authority to Lt. Gen. J. Michael Bednarek, Commanding General of the First United States Army, who then passed the guidon and colors to Maj. Gen. Charles W. Whittington Jr., incoming commander of the 29th Infantry Division during a change of command ceremony Oct. 7, 2012 at Fort Belvoir. In a speech to the division, including members of the 29th Infantry Division Association, Bednarek praised the 29th. “We have superior senior leadership in the present this afternoon;, and I want to recognize the warriors in this theater,” said Bednarek to a full house. “Since 9/11 the 29th...

    New commander takes charge of 29th Infantry Division

    Posted on October 12, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, outgoing commander of the 29th Infantry Division, passed the colors symbolizing the transfer of command authority to Lt. Gen. J. Michael Bednarek, Commanding General of the First United States Army, who then passed the guidon and colors to Maj. Gen. Charles W. Whittington Jr., incoming commander of the 29th Infantry Division during a change of command ceremony Oct. 7, 2012 at Fort Belvoir. In a speech to the division, including members of the 29th Infantry Division Association, Bednarek praised the 29th. “We have superior senior leadership in the present this afternoon;, and I want to recognize the warriors in this theater,” said Bednarek to a full house. “Since 9/11 the 29th...

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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 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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  • FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Approximately 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division returned to Virginia July 14 after serving on federal active duty in Afghanistan since November 2011. The Soldiers returned July 7 to their demobilization station at Camp Shelby, Miss., where they conducted health screenings and other administrative tasks to transition from active duty back to National Guard status and returned to airports across Virginia that were closest to their home of record. Approximately 35 Soldiers from the Maryland National Guard also took part in the mission. A formal ceremony recognizing their service will take place in about 90 days. The Soldiers were assigned to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Afghan National Security Force Development Team where they served...

    29th ID Soldiers return to Virginia after federal duty in Afghanistan

    Posted on July 14, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Approximately 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division returned to Virginia July 14 after serving on federal active duty in Afghanistan since November 2011. The Soldiers returned July 7 to their demobilization station at Camp Shelby, Miss., where they conducted health screenings and other administrative tasks to transition from active duty back to National Guard status and returned to airports across Virginia that were closest to their home of record. Approximately 35 Soldiers from the Maryland National Guard also took part in the mission. A formal ceremony recognizing their service will take place in about 90 days. The Soldiers were assigned to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Afghan National Security Force Development Team where they served...

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  •   Fort A.P. Hill, Va. – Soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division finished annual training this year with a strong focus on Defense Support to Civil Authorities by staging a simulated exercise centered on security for the upcoming 57th Presidential Inauguration in January 2013. “We haven’t been tasked with this mission, but I want to make sure the 29th Infantry Division staff is ready if called upon,” said Col. Eric Barr, 29th ID chief of staff. “Our Soldiers have spent a great deal of time preparing for this exercise and it has really paid off.” All sections of the division staff had a role in the exercise including the Command and Special Staff. “It really makes a huge impact when...

    29th Infantry Division Annual Training culminates with Defense Support to Civil Authorities exercise

    Posted on June 30, 2012 | No Comments
      Fort A.P. Hill, Va. – Soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division finished annual training this year with a strong focus on Defense Support to Civil Authorities by staging a simulated exercise centered on security for the upcoming 57th Presidential Inauguration in January 2013. “We haven’t been tasked with this mission, but I want to make sure the 29th Infantry Division staff is ready if called upon,” said Col. Eric Barr, 29th ID chief of staff. “Our Soldiers have spent a great deal of time preparing for this exercise and it has really paid off.” All sections of the division staff had a role in the exercise including the Command and Special Staff. “It really makes a huge impact when...

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  • FORT A.P. HILL, Va. — Virginia and Maryland National Guard Soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division participated in valuable training this week to stay on top of the latest and greatest in military technology. Command Post of the Future, part of the Military Command System, enables Soldiers to stay connected and informed with the most up-to-date, secure information available across multiple interfaces. “It’s basically the heart of the Tactical Operations Center,” said Staff Sgt. Dustin Seidler of the 29th Infantry Division’s B. Company, Detachment 2. “Everything runs through the CPOF. Staff can brief commanders, commanders out in the field can brief division commanders. It links nearly every military computer system together and talks to one another. It gives you high-quality...

    29th ID Soldiers train on Command Post of the Future

    Posted on June 28, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT A.P. HILL, Va. — Virginia and Maryland National Guard Soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division participated in valuable training this week to stay on top of the latest and greatest in military technology. Command Post of the Future, part of the Military Command System, enables Soldiers to stay connected and informed with the most up-to-date, secure information available across multiple interfaces. “It’s basically the heart of the Tactical Operations Center,” said Staff Sgt. Dustin Seidler of the 29th Infantry Division’s B. Company, Detachment 2. “Everything runs through the CPOF. Staff can brief commanders, commanders out in the field can brief division commanders. It links nearly every military computer system together and talks to one another. It gives you high-quality...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — Brig. Gen. Charles W. Whittington, Jr. has been named as the new commander of the Virginia National Guard’s Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division, according to an announcement made by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. Whittington will succeed Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, Sr., as the commander of the division in October of this year. “Brig. Gen. Whittington is an excellent general officer and outstanding leader,” Long said. “We are very proud of him and look forward to having him serve as the division commander. I am confident he will lead the division through the many challenging times that lay ahead and ensure the organization will be ready, reliable and rapidly responding...

    Whittington named new commander of the 29th Infantry Division

    Posted on June 22, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — Brig. Gen. Charles W. Whittington, Jr. has been named as the new commander of the Virginia National Guard’s Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division, according to an announcement made by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. Whittington will succeed Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, Sr., as the commander of the division in October of this year. “Brig. Gen. Whittington is an excellent general officer and outstanding leader,” Long said. “We are very proud of him and look forward to having him serve as the division commander. I am confident he will lead the division through the many challenging times that lay ahead and ensure the organization will be ready, reliable and rapidly responding...

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  • FORT A.P. HILL, Va. — Eighteen Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division participated in the unit’s first-ever marksmanship competition June 19 at Fort AP Hill, Va. The Soldiers shot at distances up to 500 yards, at various stances, in 90 degree weather to compete for a trophy, and the chance to represent the division as the first winner of the 29th Infantry Division’s inaugural Marksmanship Competition. This effort, made by the 29th’s battalion master gunner Sgt. Michael Wells, was an idea he had to inspire Soldiers to advance their skills in marksmanship and help them have fun while they’re learning. “It’s a valuable training lesson, because they’re shooting at a distance they’re not used to, shooting further than they’re used...

    29th ID Soldiers face off in first-ever marksmansip competition

    Posted on June 20, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT A.P. HILL, Va. — Eighteen Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division participated in the unit’s first-ever marksmanship competition June 19 at Fort AP Hill, Va. The Soldiers shot at distances up to 500 yards, at various stances, in 90 degree weather to compete for a trophy, and the chance to represent the division as the first winner of the 29th Infantry Division’s inaugural Marksmanship Competition. This effort, made by the 29th’s battalion master gunner Sgt. Michael Wells, was an idea he had to inspire Soldiers to advance their skills in marksmanship and help them have fun while they’re learning. “It’s a valuable training lesson, because they’re shooting at a distance they’re not used to, shooting further than they’re used...

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  • BEDFORD, Va. — Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry, 116th Brigade Combat Team escorted D-Day veterans and laid a memorial wreath at the commemoration event held June 6, 2012 at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford to mark the 68th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Soldiers from the Clifton Forge-based 29th Army Band also laid a wreath. “It is an honor to be here,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Walkup, an infantry Soldier from the Headquarters Company of 1st Battalion. “I don’t want to take anything away from our generation and what we have done, but after hearing the stories about these men who are here, it is hard to compare what we went...

    D-Day sacrifices remembered on 68th anniversary

    Posted on June 9, 2012 | No Comments
    BEDFORD, Va. — Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry, 116th Brigade Combat Team escorted D-Day veterans and laid a memorial wreath at the commemoration event held June 6, 2012 at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford to mark the 68th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Soldiers from the Clifton Forge-based 29th Army Band also laid a wreath. “It is an honor to be here,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Walkup, an infantry Soldier from the Headquarters Company of 1st Battalion. “I don’t want to take anything away from our generation and what we have done, but after hearing the stories about these men who are here, it is hard to compare what we went...

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  • ROANOKE, Va. – Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, Sr., commander of the 29th Infantry Division, and Soldiers from the 29th Army Band and Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program supported the funeral of Bob Slaughter June 2 in Roanoke. Slaughter, a D-Day veteran, passed away May 29 at the age of 87. Batts served as the escort for Slaughter’s widow, Margret, and presented her with a U. S. flag during the funeral, and Virginia Guard Soldiers provided a color guard, rifle team and bugler. “I felt that it was important for me to attend Sgt. Slaughter’s funeral because Bob and that entire generation of 29′ers who stormed the beaches at Normandy did so much to define the 29th Division and it’s...

    Va. Guard Soldiers support funeral for D-Day veteran

    Posted on June 6, 2012 | No Comments
    ROANOKE, Va. – Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, Sr., commander of the 29th Infantry Division, and Soldiers from the 29th Army Band and Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program supported the funeral of Bob Slaughter June 2 in Roanoke. Slaughter, a D-Day veteran, passed away May 29 at the age of 87. Batts served as the escort for Slaughter’s widow, Margret, and presented her with a U. S. flag during the funeral, and Virginia Guard Soldiers provided a color guard, rifle team and bugler. “I felt that it was important for me to attend Sgt. Slaughter’s funeral because Bob and that entire generation of 29′ers who stormed the beaches at Normandy did so much to define the 29th Division and it’s...

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  • ARLINGTON, Va. — Members of the 29th Division Association, based in Frederick, Md., were joined by Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, commander of the 29th Infantry Division based at Fort Belvoir, Va., for their annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery May 13. Batts and veterans of the 29th Infantry Division gathered at the Spates Community Club & Conference Center on Fort Myer, Va., for a luncheon prior to the ceremony.  During the luncheon, attendees were addressed by Batts and four of the association’s World War II veterans.  After being introduced by Ivan Dooley, national commander of the association, Batts said he was honored to be invited to participate in the occasion and...

    29th ID veterans, commander lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

    Posted on May 16, 2012 | No Comments
    ARLINGTON, Va. — Members of the 29th Division Association, based in Frederick, Md., were joined by Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, commander of the 29th Infantry Division based at Fort Belvoir, Va., for their annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery May 13. Batts and veterans of the 29th Infantry Division gathered at the Spates Community Club & Conference Center on Fort Myer, Va., for a luncheon prior to the ceremony.  During the luncheon, attendees were addressed by Batts and four of the association’s World War II veterans.  After being introduced by Ivan Dooley, national commander of the association, Batts said he was honored to be invited to participate in the occasion and...

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  • FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Secretary of the Army John McHugh showed his appreciation during lunch with Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division April 2 at Fort Belvoir. McHugh spent more than an hour with the members of the 29th Infantry Division during lunch at Fort Belvoir’s Officers’ Club. The Soldiers returned last fall from being deployed in Afghanistan. “I have a deep gratitude and appreciation to be able to sit down with Guard Soldiers who recently returned.  Thank you for being great citizen-Soldiers,” said McHugh.  “The Army is challenged on many fronts and there is a growing divide between citizens and Soldiers and you provide a proud face of the Army. “ McHugh was asked a myriad of questions ranging...

    Secretary of the Army John McHugh shows appreciation to the Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division

    Posted on April 2, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Secretary of the Army John McHugh showed his appreciation during lunch with Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division April 2 at Fort Belvoir. McHugh spent more than an hour with the members of the 29th Infantry Division during lunch at Fort Belvoir’s Officers’ Club. The Soldiers returned last fall from being deployed in Afghanistan. “I have a deep gratitude and appreciation to be able to sit down with Guard Soldiers who recently returned.  Thank you for being great citizen-Soldiers,” said McHugh.  “The Army is challenged on many fronts and there is a growing divide between citizens and Soldiers and you provide a proud face of the Army. “ McHugh was asked a myriad of questions ranging...

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  • JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, Va. — Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Hampton-based Battery B, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery, 116th Brigade Combat Team represented the modern military at the Military Through the Ages event March 17 and 18 at the Jamestown Settlement, and Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, commander of the 29th Infantry Division, presided as the reviewing official for the parade of 32 reenactor units March 18. The artillery Soldiers set up a static display and answered questions from the public as well as demonstrated the firing capabilities of the M119A2 howitzer. Batts addressed the participants and visitors, explaining that the Virginia National Guard traces it’s roots back to Jamestown in 1607, when the settlement depended on its militia composed...

    Virginia Guard artillery Soldiers represent the modern military at “Military Through the Ages” event

    Posted on March 21, 2012 | No Comments
    JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, Va. — Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Hampton-based Battery B, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery, 116th Brigade Combat Team represented the modern military at the Military Through the Ages event March 17 and 18 at the Jamestown Settlement, and Maj. Gen. Frank E. Batts, commander of the 29th Infantry Division, presided as the reviewing official for the parade of 32 reenactor units March 18. The artillery Soldiers set up a static display and answered questions from the public as well as demonstrated the firing capabilities of the M119A2 howitzer. Batts addressed the participants and visitors, explaining that the Virginia National Guard traces it’s roots back to Jamestown in 1607, when the settlement depended on its militia composed...

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  • FORT BELVOIR, Va. — In honor of Women’s History Month, the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division invited a diverse panel of female Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers to share their experiences March 3 about what it’s like to serve as a woman in the military. This training was sponsored by the Virginia National Guard Equal Opportunity Office and is only one part of a series of efforts to increase awareness of diversity within the National Guard and honor those who have paved the way for minority groups in the military. A remarkable 25 percent of the 29th ID are women, compared to the 16 percent that make up the Virginia National Guard as a whole. Commanding General of the 29th...

    29th ID honors Women’s History Month

    Posted on March 5, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT BELVOIR, Va. — In honor of Women’s History Month, the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division invited a diverse panel of female Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers to share their experiences March 3 about what it’s like to serve as a woman in the military. This training was sponsored by the Virginia National Guard Equal Opportunity Office and is only one part of a series of efforts to increase awareness of diversity within the National Guard and honor those who have paved the way for minority groups in the military. A remarkable 25 percent of the 29th ID are women, compared to the 16 percent that make up the Virginia National Guard as a whole. Commanding General of the 29th...

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