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Adjutant General Archive
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![CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Leadership of the Virginia Army National Guard transferred from Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer to Brig. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora during a ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, July 14, 2018, at Defense Supply Center Richmond in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Mercer will retire after more than 35 years […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/07/01_VNG_14jul18_0104-115x115.jpg "Flora takes charge of Virginia Army National Guard")
Flora takes charge of Virginia Army National Guard
Posted on July 16, 2018 | No CommentsCHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Leadership of the Virginia Army National Guard transferred from Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer to Brig. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora during a ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, July 14, 2018, at Defense Supply Center Richmond in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Mercer will retire after more than 35 years […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Col. Doyle Gillis, Jr. will take command of the Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group from Col. K. Weedon Gallagher, according to an announcement made July 12, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Williams also announced the Lt. Col. Carlos Hopkins will be reassigned as the staff judge advocate for the […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/07/Gillis-115x115.jpg "Gillis to command 329th Regional Support Group")
Gillis to command 329th Regional Support Group
Posted on July 14, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Col. Doyle Gillis, Jr. will take command of the Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group from Col. K. Weedon Gallagher, according to an announcement made July 12, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Williams also announced the Lt. Col. Carlos Hopkins will be reassigned as the staff judge advocate for the […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Jr., will succeed Command Sgt. Maj. Cheyenne M. Johnson as the Virginia Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major, according to an announcement made July 14, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Johnson will retire after more than 35 years of military service. The transition […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/07/CSM-SMITH-RONALD-CMD-PHOTO-115x115.jpg "Smith to succeed Johnson as Virginia Army National Guard’s senior NCO")
Smith to succeed Johnson as Virginia Army National Guard’s senior NCO
Posted on July 14, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Jr., will succeed Command Sgt. Maj. Cheyenne M. Johnson as the Virginia Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major, according to an announcement made July 14, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Johnson will retire after more than 35 years of military service. The transition […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Brig. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora will succeed Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer as the Virginia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General – Army, according to an announcement made June 18, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Flora currently serves as Assistant Adjutant General for Army Strategic Initiatives and will be replaced by […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2017/11/BG_Flora-115x115.jpg "Flora to succeed Mercer as Assistant Adjutant General – Army")
Flora to succeed Mercer as Assistant Adjutant General – Army
Posted on June 27, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Brig. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora will succeed Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer as the Virginia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General – Army, according to an announcement made June 18, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Flora currently serves as Assistant Adjutant General for Army Strategic Initiatives and will be replaced by […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ceremonially signed House Bill 737 June 26, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia, authorizing the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to issue driver’s licenses, permits and identification cards displaying an indicator signifying that the holder is a veteran. Applicants must provide proof of veteran status. Delegate John J. McGuire introduced the bill, and it passed […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/06/GovernorBillSigning_26jun18_0019-115x115.jpg "Governor signs DMV drivers license veteran indicator bill")
Governor signs DMV drivers license veteran indicator bill
Posted on June 26, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ceremonially signed House Bill 737 June 26, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia, authorizing the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to issue driver’s licenses, permits and identification cards displaying an indicator signifying that the holder is a veteran. Applicants must provide proof of veteran status. Delegate John J. McGuire introduced the bill, and it passed […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — A Virginia National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter with aviation crew departed June 4, 2018, to provide aerial detection and monitoring support for the Arizona National Guard’s mission to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on the Southwest Border. The mission is scheduled to last approximately 90 days and could be extended. “Once again the Virginia National […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/06/UH-72-1-115x115.jpg "Virginia National Guard Lakota helicopter and crew depart for Southwest Border support")
Virginia National Guard Lakota helicopter and crew depart for Southwest Border support
Posted on June 7, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — A Virginia National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter with aviation crew departed June 4, 2018, to provide aerial detection and monitoring support for the Arizona National Guard’s mission to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on the Southwest Border. The mission is scheduled to last approximately 90 days and could be extended. “Once again the Virginia National […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia State Police arrested Virginia National Guard Soldier Joshua Philip Yabut, 29, of Richmond, Virginia, for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and charged him with one felony count of eluding police and one felony count of unauthorized use of a vehicle. The charges come after he drove an M577 armored personnel carrier June 5, 2018, […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2015/10/VaGuardLogo_1oct15_100x100-115x115.jpg "Virginia National Guard Soldier charged by Virginia State Police")
Virginia National Guard Soldier charged by Virginia State Police
Posted on June 6, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia State Police arrested Virginia National Guard Soldier Joshua Philip Yabut, 29, of Richmond, Virginia, for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and charged him with one felony count of eluding police and one felony count of unauthorized use of a vehicle. The charges come after he drove an M577 armored personnel carrier June 5, 2018, […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Col. Marti J. Bissell was promoted to brigadier general June 1, 2018, in Arlington, Virginia, and she will serve as the Commander and Senior Military Representative at North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters, Sarajevo. A transfer of authority ceremony is scheduled for July 9. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the Chief of National Guard Bureau, officiated the promotion ceremony, […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/06/BG_Bissell_Promotion-115x115.jpg "Bissell promoted to brigadier general, will command NATO headquarters in Sarajevo")
Bissell promoted to brigadier general, will command NATO headquarters in Sarajevo
Posted on June 4, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Col. Marti J. Bissell was promoted to brigadier general June 1, 2018, in Arlington, Virginia, and she will serve as the Commander and Senior Military Representative at North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters, Sarajevo. A transfer of authority ceremony is scheduled for July 9. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the Chief of National Guard Bureau, officiated the promotion ceremony, […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Walter L. Mercer, Chief Operations Officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, recognized and thanked DMA employees at two State Employee Recognition luncheons May 10, 2018, at Fort Pickett and May 23, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. “A lot […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/05/32560307_10156338027138560_7413769896913272832_o-115x115.jpg "Virginia Department of Military Affairs honors, recognizes state employees")
Virginia Department of Military Affairs honors, recognizes state employees
Posted on May 29, 2018 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Walter L. Mercer, Chief Operations Officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, recognized and thanked DMA employees at two State Employee Recognition luncheons May 10, 2018, at Fort Pickett and May 23, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. “A lot […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Virginians from all branches of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the United States of America were remembered May 28, 2018, at the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. Virginia. Ten Virginia National Guard Soldiers have been killed by hostile enemy action since Sept. 11, 2001, and they […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/05/01_MemorialDay_28may18_0245-115x115.jpg "Virginia’s fallen honored at Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony")
Virginia’s fallen honored at Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony
Posted on May 28, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Virginians from all branches of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the United States of America were remembered May 28, 2018, at the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. Virginia. Ten Virginia National Guard Soldiers have been killed by hostile enemy action since Sept. 11, 2001, and they […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Memorial Day is a time of national awareness and reverence that honors the military men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation and its values. Whether you are taking part in a ceremony in your community or enjoying time with family and friends, I encourage everyone to pause for a personal moment of […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2017/11/MG_Williams-115x115.jpg "Adjutant General’s 2018 Memorial Day Message")
Adjutant General’s 2018 Memorial Day Message
Posted on May 25, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Memorial Day is a time of national awareness and reverence that honors the military men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation and its values. Whether you are taking part in a ceremony in your community or enjoying time with family and friends, I encourage everyone to pause for a personal moment of […] -
![CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, members of the Virginia Defense Force, friends and family members joined distinguished guests at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Virginia National Guard’s newly-built Joint Force Headquarters building May 14, 2018, at Defense Supply Center Richmond in Chesterfield County, Virginia. U.S. Senator Mark Warner, First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam, Secretary […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/05/RibbonCutting_14may18-115x115.jpg "Virginia National Guard cuts ribbon at new state headquarters")
Virginia National Guard cuts ribbon at new state headquarters
Posted on May 14, 2018 | No CommentsCHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, members of the Virginia Defense Force, friends and family members joined distinguished guests at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Virginia National Guard’s newly-built Joint Force Headquarters building May 14, 2018, at Defense Supply Center Richmond in Chesterfield County, Virginia. U.S. Senator Mark Warner, First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam, Secretary […] -
Vigilant Guard exercise prepares Virginia National Guard, partners for hurricane season
Posted on May 12, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — More than 2,000 National Guard personnel from six states and Washington, D.C., took part in the Vigilant Guard 18-3 emergency response exercise May 7-10, 2018, at multiple locations in Virginia. The goal of the exercise was to improve response to a natural disaster and enhance relationships with local, state and federal emergency response partners. It simulated a […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Col. James W. Ring has been named to succeed Brig. Gen. Paul F. Griffin as the Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff and will be promoted to brigadier general, according to an announcement made May 1, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Griffin will transition to a traditional Guard […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/05/COL-JAMES-RING-115x115.jpg "Ring to succeed Griffin as Director of the Joint Staff")
Ring to succeed Griffin as Director of the Joint Staff
Posted on May 1, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Col. James W. Ring has been named to succeed Brig. Gen. Paul F. Griffin as the Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff and will be promoted to brigadier general, according to an announcement made May 1, 2018, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Griffin will transition to a traditional Guard […] -
![NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia National Guard senior leaders recognized the top company-level units in the Virginia Army National Guard for high levels of readiness at the second annual Virginia Military Ball April 28, 2018, in Norfolk, Virginia. Outstanding Soldiers and Airmen were also recognized at an awards reception before the ball, as were Army units earning the Excellence in Training […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/04/01_TopArmyGuardUnits_28apr18_0103-115x115.jpg "Top Virginia National Guard units, individuals recognized at Virginia Military Ball")
Top Virginia National Guard units, individuals recognized at Virginia Military Ball
Posted on April 30, 2018 | No CommentsNORFOLK, Va. — Virginia National Guard senior leaders recognized the top company-level units in the Virginia Army National Guard for high levels of readiness at the second annual Virginia Military Ball April 28, 2018, in Norfolk, Virginia. Outstanding Soldiers and Airmen were also recognized at an awards reception before the ball, as were Army units earning the Excellence in Training […] -
![WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam joined Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, in honoring Virginia National Guard volunteers at the 2018 Virginia National Guard State Volunteer Recognition and Training Workshop April 15, 2018, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The annual two-day event recognizes and thanks volunteers for their efforts in support of family programs […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/04/Volunteers-115x115.jpg "First Lady, AG honor volunteers at annual Volunteer Training Workshop and Youth Symposium")
First Lady, AG honor volunteers at annual Volunteer Training Workshop and Youth Symposium
Posted on April 18, 2018 | No CommentsWILLIAMSBURG, Va. — First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam joined Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, in honoring Virginia National Guard volunteers at the 2018 Virginia National Guard State Volunteer Recognition and Training Workshop April 15, 2018, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The annual two-day event recognizes and thanks volunteers for their efforts in support of family programs […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Ralph Northam and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran commended the Virginia National Guard for the organization’s service to commonwealth and country at a legislative reception hosted Jan. 18, 2018, by the Virginia National Guard Officer’s Association and Virginia Army and Air National Guard Enlisted Association in Richmond, Virginia. Prior to the reception, […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/01/01_LegislativeReception_18jan18_0081-115x115.jpg "Governor commends the Va. National Guard")
Governor commends the Va. National Guard
Posted on January 19, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Governor Ralph Northam and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran commended the Virginia National Guard for the organization’s service to commonwealth and country at a legislative reception hosted Jan. 18, 2018, by the Virginia National Guard Officer’s Association and Virginia Army and Air National Guard Enlisted Association in Richmond, Virginia. Prior to the reception, […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, provided an update on the Virginia National Guard to members of the Virginia General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus Jan. 17, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. Before the update, Senator Bryce Reeves and Delegate Nick Freitas, co-chairs of the caucus, recognized retired Col. Rich Anderson for his many […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/01/01_AG_MilVetCaucus_17jan18_0074-115x115.jpg "AG updates General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus")
AG updates General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus
Posted on January 18, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, provided an update on the Virginia National Guard to members of the Virginia General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus Jan. 17, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. Before the update, Senator Bryce Reeves and Delegate Nick Freitas, co-chairs of the caucus, recognized retired Col. Rich Anderson for his many […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. – More than 200 Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force personnel were on duty Jan. 13, 2018, supporting the inauguration of Ralph Northam as the 73rd Governor of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Soldiers, Airmen and members of the VDF conducted a variety of missions including playing ceremonial music, firing a 19-gun salute with artillery howitzers and providing […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/01/180113-GovInaugParade-0562-115x115.jpg "Va. National Guard supports Governor Northam’s inauguration")
Va. National Guard supports Governor Northam’s inauguration
Posted on January 15, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. – More than 200 Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force personnel were on duty Jan. 13, 2018, supporting the inauguration of Ralph Northam as the 73rd Governor of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Soldiers, Airmen and members of the VDF conducted a variety of missions including playing ceremonial music, firing a 19-gun salute with artillery howitzers and providing […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. – More than 200 Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force personnel will be on duty Jan. 13, 2018, supporting the inauguration of Ralph Northam as the 73rd Governor of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia Guard Soldiers, Airmen and members of the VDF will conduct a variety of missions including playing ceremonial music, firing a 19-gun salute with […]](http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/01/TheWayAheadRGB-115x115.jpg "Virginia National Guard to provide music, artillery salute, lead parade marching element and helicopter flyover for Governor’s Inauguration")
Virginia National Guard to provide music, artillery salute, lead parade marching element and helicopter flyover for Governor’s Inauguration
Posted on January 10, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. – More than 200 Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force personnel will be on duty Jan. 13, 2018, supporting the inauguration of Ralph Northam as the 73rd Governor of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia Guard Soldiers, Airmen and members of the VDF will conduct a variety of missions including playing ceremonial music, firing a 19-gun salute with […]