Programs Archive

  • RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Guard Soldiers and one Airmen from the Virginia National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force joined with Soldiers from the Martinsville-based 1173rd Transportation Company to help Richmond Drug Enforcement Administration agents loaded nearly 18,000 pounds of unwanted and expired medications into Virginia Guard trucks May 3, 2013, in Richmond, Va. After loading the many tons of drugs into their trucks, the Soldiers drove north, along with several DEA agents, to an incinerator in Northern Virginia where the drugs were unloaded and then destroyed. The drug haul away and destruction was part of the DEA’s National Take-Back Initiative, a program designed to “provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while educating the general public...

    Va. Guard helps DEA haul & destroy tons of drugs

    Posted on May 6, 2013 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Guard Soldiers and one Airmen from the Virginia National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force joined with Soldiers from the Martinsville-based 1173rd Transportation Company to help Richmond Drug Enforcement Administration agents loaded nearly 18,000 pounds of unwanted and expired medications into Virginia Guard trucks May 3, 2013, in Richmond, Va. After loading the many tons of drugs into their trucks, the Soldiers drove north, along with several DEA agents, to an incinerator in Northern Virginia where the drugs were unloaded and then destroyed. The drug haul away and destruction was part of the DEA’s National Take-Back Initiative, a program designed to “provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while educating the general public...

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  • RICHMOND, Va. – Eleven Virginia Guard Soldiers and Airmen from units across the state graduated from the inaugural iTAP 2.0 training course May 3, 2013 in Richmond, Va. The program is funded and hosted by IVET, the Institute for Veterans Education and Training, and is a week-long program for veterans and their spouses that “establishes a gameplan for pursuing educational, employment or entrepreneurial goals,” according to the IVET website. IVET is 501c3 non-profit organization and offers iTAP 2.0 at no cost to course participants. Throughout the week, students engage in lessons taught by subject matter experts in a variety of fields, working not just on building resumes or how to enter a new career field, but also on how to...

    Va. Guard Airmen, Soldiers graduate inaugural training program

    Posted on May 6, 2013 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. – Eleven Virginia Guard Soldiers and Airmen from units across the state graduated from the inaugural iTAP 2.0 training course May 3, 2013 in Richmond, Va. The program is funded and hosted by IVET, the Institute for Veterans Education and Training, and is a week-long program for veterans and their spouses that “establishes a gameplan for pursuing educational, employment or entrepreneurial goals,” according to the IVET website. IVET is 501c3 non-profit organization and offers iTAP 2.0 at no cost to course participants. Throughout the week, students engage in lessons taught by subject matter experts in a variety of fields, working not just on building resumes or how to enter a new career field, but also on how to...

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  • EMPORIA, Va. – Family members and friends of deployed Soldiers assigned to the 1710th Transportation Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group joined with representatives from Virginia Guard Family Programs and the Virginia National Guard for a round table discussion with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, April 30, 2013, at the readiness center in Emporia, Va. The goal of the discussion was to give Kaine, who sits on the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. Senate, a chance to discuss the unique challenges Guard families face during deployments. “I just want to make sure that I’m acting with as much knowledge as I can have,” Kaine told the group. “The guardsmen and women in this commonwealth and their...

    Sen. Kaine visits families of deployed 1710th Trans. Co. Soldiers

    Posted on May 3, 2013 | No Comments
    EMPORIA, Va. – Family members and friends of deployed Soldiers assigned to the 1710th Transportation Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group joined with representatives from Virginia Guard Family Programs and the Virginia National Guard for a round table discussion with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, April 30, 2013, at the readiness center in Emporia, Va. The goal of the discussion was to give Kaine, who sits on the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. Senate, a chance to discuss the unique challenges Guard families face during deployments. “I just want to make sure that I’m acting with as much knowledge as I can have,” Kaine told the group. “The guardsmen and women in this commonwealth and their...

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  • RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Marla Graff Decker, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Bryan Rhode and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, the Adjutant General of Virginia, were among those who recognized and honored Virginia National Guard volunteers at the 2013 Virginia National Guard State Volunteer Recognition Workshop & Youth Symposium April 20, 2013, in Richmond. This year’s Volunteer Recognition Conference was the largest since its inception in August 2008, according to Vickie Sais, the Virginia National Guard Family Programs director. More than 100 people attended this year’s event where 72 adult and youth volunteers received awards in recognition of their support of family programs over the past year, including family readiness groups, youth camps, and various other...

    Va. Guard honors volunteers at 2013 Volunteer Recognition Workshop

    Posted on April 23, 2013 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Marla Graff Decker, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Bryan Rhode and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, the Adjutant General of Virginia, were among those who recognized and honored Virginia National Guard volunteers at the 2013 Virginia National Guard State Volunteer Recognition Workshop & Youth Symposium April 20, 2013, in Richmond. This year’s Volunteer Recognition Conference was the largest since its inception in August 2008, according to Vickie Sais, the Virginia National Guard Family Programs director. More than 100 people attended this year’s event where 72 adult and youth volunteers received awards in recognition of their support of family programs over the past year, including family readiness groups, youth camps, and various other...

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  • AMELIA, Va. – Seven Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Military Funeral Honors Program assisted March 5, 2013, with the funeral and internment of four Virginia veterans at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, Va. The Funeral Honors Team included both a four-man firing team and three Soldiers who folded a U.S. flag in honor of the deceased veterans. The internment was made possible in part by the Missing in Virginia Project, a program that aims to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of Virginia’s veterans. “These remains are not from deaths related to war,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Klag, who guest speaker for the event and commander of Nottoway County High School’s Navy JROTC program, during his...

    Military Funeral Honors Team honors veterans in Amelia ceremony

    Posted on March 9, 2013 | No Comments
    AMELIA, Va. – Seven Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Military Funeral Honors Program assisted March 5, 2013, with the funeral and internment of four Virginia veterans at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, Va. The Funeral Honors Team included both a four-man firing team and three Soldiers who folded a U.S. flag in honor of the deceased veterans. The internment was made possible in part by the Missing in Virginia Project, a program that aims to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of Virginia’s veterans. “These remains are not from deaths related to war,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Klag, who guest speaker for the event and commander of Nottoway County High School’s Navy JROTC program, during his...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard Family Programs Office will support Military Saves Week with information stations Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 316 at Fort Pickett and Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mullins Armory in Sandston. The stations are open to all military personnel and their family members, and visitors can receive a free credit score report once they take the Military Saves Pledge. Military Saves Week 2013 runs from Feb. 25 to March 2, 2013, which coincides with America Saves Week. Military Saves is a part of America Saves, the larger nationwide campaign for all Americans and encourages all servicemembers, their families, and civilian employees...

    Va. Guard Family Programs supports Military Saves Week

    Posted on February 25, 2013 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard Family Programs Office will support Military Saves Week with information stations Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 316 at Fort Pickett and Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mullins Armory in Sandston. The stations are open to all military personnel and their family members, and visitors can receive a free credit score report once they take the Military Saves Pledge. Military Saves Week 2013 runs from Feb. 25 to March 2, 2013, which coincides with America Saves Week. Military Saves is a part of America Saves, the larger nationwide campaign for all Americans and encourages all servicemembers, their families, and civilian employees...

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  • SOUTH BOSTON, Va. — Current and former members of the Virginia National Guard and senior state government officials joined family, friends and the community of South Boston Feb. 21, 2013, in paying final respects to retired Maj. Gen. Carroll Thackston as he was laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery will full military honors. Thackston, the Adjutant General of Virginia from July 1994 to September 1998, passed away Feb. 17, 2013, at Lynchburg General Hospital at the age of 79. Former Gov. George Allen presented Thackston’s widow with a Virginia state flag, and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented his widow and three sons with U. S. flags at the burial site. The Virginia...

    Former Adjutant General laid to rest in South Boston

    Posted on February 24, 2013 | No Comments
    SOUTH BOSTON, Va. — Current and former members of the Virginia National Guard and senior state government officials joined family, friends and the community of South Boston Feb. 21, 2013, in paying final respects to retired Maj. Gen. Carroll Thackston as he was laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery will full military honors. Thackston, the Adjutant General of Virginia from July 1994 to September 1998, passed away Feb. 17, 2013, at Lynchburg General Hospital at the age of 79. Former Gov. George Allen presented Thackston’s widow with a Virginia state flag, and Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented his widow and three sons with U. S. flags at the burial site. The Virginia...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Program performed at its 10,000th military funeral on Feb. 13. The program, begun in January 2007, provides funeral details not just to National Guard Soldiers but to veterans of all branches of the military across the state. “I am extremely proud of the great work by the members of the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Team and how well they represent the Virginia National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “I know from talking to them how proud they are a part of honoring the men and women who served before them. I think there is some comfort to the families to know...

    Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Program performs at 10,000th funeral

    Posted on February 14, 2013 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Program performed at its 10,000th military funeral on Feb. 13. The program, begun in January 2007, provides funeral details not just to National Guard Soldiers but to veterans of all branches of the military across the state. “I am extremely proud of the great work by the members of the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Team and how well they represent the Virginia National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “I know from talking to them how proud they are a part of honoring the men and women who served before them. I think there is some comfort to the families to know...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia National Guard Soldiers have an easier way to translate their military driving skills into civilian credentials thanks to a program called Troops to Trucks that’s helped several Soldiers find employment. In 2012, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles started the program, which simplifies the process of obtaining a commercial driver’s license for those military members with adequate driving experience gained through the military. “One of my Soldiers was able to get a job about three weeks later,” Capt. William Angle, commander of Company A, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said. “He’s recently back from deployment and needed worked. He’s an experienced truck driver but didn’t have a CDL. He got the waiver,...

    Va. Guard Soldiers earn civilian credit for military experience

    Posted on January 11, 2013 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Virginia National Guard Soldiers have an easier way to translate their military driving skills into civilian credentials thanks to a program called Troops to Trucks that’s helped several Soldiers find employment. In 2012, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles started the program, which simplifies the process of obtaining a commercial driver’s license for those military members with adequate driving experience gained through the military. “One of my Soldiers was able to get a job about three weeks later,” Capt. William Angle, commander of Company A, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said. “He’s recently back from deployment and needed worked. He’s an experienced truck driver but didn’t have a CDL. He got the waiver,...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has established the Virginia National Guard Employers Network on Linked In, a career opportunity and assistance networking group. You can join the group by visiting the following link: http://ow.ly/g64qY According to the group’s introduction message, “This is the virtual place to meet, interact and share ideas respectfully with current and former members of the Virginia National Guard, their spouses, and employers desiring the many benefits provided by employees with military experience. We are an all-volunteer group with the planning, programming, and presentations conducted by volunteers and members.” The group is open to current members of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard and their spouses seeking career employment and can help them gain...

    Virginia National Guard establishes Linked In group for employment resources

    Posted on December 14, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has established the Virginia National Guard Employers Network on Linked In, a career opportunity and assistance networking group. You can join the group by visiting the following link: http://ow.ly/g64qY According to the group’s introduction message, “This is the virtual place to meet, interact and share ideas respectfully with current and former members of the Virginia National Guard, their spouses, and employers desiring the many benefits provided by employees with military experience. We are an all-volunteer group with the planning, programming, and presentations conducted by volunteers and members.” The group is open to current members of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard and their spouses seeking career employment and can help them gain...

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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. — 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. — Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment supporting the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Program helped Richmond Drug Enforcement Administration agents load approximately 14,000 pounds of unwanted and expired prescription drugs into Virginia Guard FMTVs Oct. 12 before hauling the drugs north for destruction at a Northern Virginia incinerator. “Our mission today is to support the DEA in their Drug Take Back mission and our support role here is to be transporters of the pharmaceuticals they collected and haul them to the incinerator,” explained Master Sgt. Brian Wright, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Counterdrug Task Force. The drugs were collected from sites throughout Virginia by local law enforcement agencies, and then transported to the centrally located DEA...

    Virginia Guard assists DEA in drug destruction

    Posted on October 16, 2012 | No Comments
    RICHMOND, Va. — Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment supporting the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Program helped Richmond Drug Enforcement Administration agents load approximately 14,000 pounds of unwanted and expired prescription drugs into Virginia Guard FMTVs Oct. 12 before hauling the drugs north for destruction at a Northern Virginia incinerator. “Our mission today is to support the DEA in their Drug Take Back mission and our support role here is to be transporters of the pharmaceuticals they collected and haul them to the incinerator,” explained Master Sgt. Brian Wright, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Counterdrug Task Force. The drugs were collected from sites throughout Virginia by local law enforcement agencies, and then transported to the centrally located DEA...

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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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  • SANDSTON, Va. – Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard completed an engagement with the Tajik Army on small-unit tactics and Improvised Explosive Device avoidance on Sept. 12, 2012. Capt. Jack Nothstine, from the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, led the team, along with 2nd Lt. Alexander Nance, 237th Engineer Company, and Sgt. Kevin Hundley, Headquarters Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. Tajikistan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is located in Central Asia, directly north of Afghanistan. The Virginia Guard began the partnership with Tajikistan in 2004, only a few years after the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Since then Virginia and Tajikistan have cooperated on dozens of mutually beneficial events. Tajik military leaders have become...

    Virginia Guard team works with Tajikistan on Security Cooperation

    Posted on September 30, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. – Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard completed an engagement with the Tajik Army on small-unit tactics and Improvised Explosive Device avoidance on Sept. 12, 2012. Capt. Jack Nothstine, from the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, led the team, along with 2nd Lt. Alexander Nance, 237th Engineer Company, and Sgt. Kevin Hundley, Headquarters Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. Tajikistan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is located in Central Asia, directly north of Afghanistan. The Virginia Guard began the partnership with Tajikistan in 2004, only a few years after the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Since then Virginia and Tajikistan have cooperated on dozens of mutually beneficial events. Tajik military leaders have become...

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  • SANDSTON, Va. — On Aug. 29, 2012 a five-man team from the Virginia Army and Air National Guard, led by Maj. Bill McCarty, completed an 11-day exchange with the Tajik Army. The exchange topics included mission analysis, junior leader development, land navigation, and related issues. The military exchange focused on the Peacekeeping Operations Battalion, stationed at Shamsi Base, Dushanbe. This unit’s platoon was sent to the international STEPPE EAGLE exercise in Kazakhstan as Tajikistan’s first military unit to operate outside of national borders. The battalion expects to participate in a United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in 2013 and by working with the Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, the battalion gained experience in operating within a multi-national environment. The Virginians were...

    Virginia Army, Air National Guard troops work with the Tajik Army on fieldcraft

    Posted on September 20, 2012 | No Comments
    SANDSTON, Va. — On Aug. 29, 2012 a five-man team from the Virginia Army and Air National Guard, led by Maj. Bill McCarty, completed an 11-day exchange with the Tajik Army. The exchange topics included mission analysis, junior leader development, land navigation, and related issues. The military exchange focused on the Peacekeeping Operations Battalion, stationed at Shamsi Base, Dushanbe. This unit’s platoon was sent to the international STEPPE EAGLE exercise in Kazakhstan as Tajikistan’s first military unit to operate outside of national borders. The battalion expects to participate in a United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in 2013 and by working with the Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, the battalion gained experience in operating within a multi-national environment. The Virginians were...

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  • FORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia National Guard’s Equal Opportunity Office hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Sept. 8, 2012 at Fort Pickett, Va. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed every year from Sept. 15- Oct. 15 and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The event at Fort Pickett included dancers from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana in Fairfax County and food from Acapulco’s Mexican Grill in Blackstone as well as information about famous Hispanic Americans and their role in our history. “The dancers were great,” said Capt. Kervin Sider, the state Equal Opportunity officer. “They are demonstrating part of their culture and that...

    Food, dance featured at Virginia National Guard Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

    Posted on September 11, 2012 | No Comments
    FORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia National Guard’s Equal Opportunity Office hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Sept. 8, 2012 at Fort Pickett, Va. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed every year from Sept. 15- Oct. 15 and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The event at Fort Pickett included dancers from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana in Fairfax County and food from Acapulco’s Mexican Grill in Blackstone as well as information about famous Hispanic Americans and their role in our history. “The dancers were great,” said Capt. Kervin Sider, the state Equal Opportunity officer. “They are demonstrating part of their culture and that...

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  • PETERSBURG, Va. — Approximately 12 Airmen from the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron supported the City of Petersburg by tearing down derelict structures associated with the drug trade from Aug. 19 to 30.  The Air Guard civil engineering unit provided heavy equipment and expertise to demolish 12 structures during the mission, and Airmen hauled away almost 815 tons of debris in 320 loads. “This is a wonderful partnership that gives us as a city the chance to work with the National Guard in getting rid of some age-old problems,” said Petersburg Police Chief John Dixon. He said that residents in the area were very happy about the project and had given the police positive feedback.The Petersburg mission is the first...

    Virginia Air National Guard engineers demolish derelict structures in Petersburg

    Posted on September 5, 2012 | No Comments
    PETERSBURG, Va. — Approximately 12 Airmen from the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron supported the City of Petersburg by tearing down derelict structures associated with the drug trade from Aug. 19 to 30.  The Air Guard civil engineering unit provided heavy equipment and expertise to demolish 12 structures during the mission, and Airmen hauled away almost 815 tons of debris in 320 loads. “This is a wonderful partnership that gives us as a city the chance to work with the National Guard in getting rid of some age-old problems,” said Petersburg Police Chief John Dixon. He said that residents in the area were very happy about the project and had given the police positive feedback.The Petersburg mission is the first...

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  • OILVILLE, Va. — Members of the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force helped at-risk kids learn about respect and gain self confidence while also learning about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse during the Office of the Attorney General’s Virginia Rules Camp, Aug. 23 at Camp Little Hawk in Oilville. “The Virginia Rules camp is a seven-year partnership among the Attorney General’s office, the Boys and Girls Club and the Richmond Police Department,” said Amy Wight, director of the Office of the Attorney General’s Gang Reduction and Intervention Program. “The Boys and Girls Club has given us this camp site to use for one week in the summer to do this free week long day camp for up to 80 inner city kids,” she added.The Richmond Police Department, and...

    Counterdrug Task Force supports camp for at-risk kids

    Posted on August 29, 2012 | No Comments
    OILVILLE, Va. — Members of the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force helped at-risk kids learn about respect and gain self confidence while also learning about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse during the Office of the Attorney General’s Virginia Rules Camp, Aug. 23 at Camp Little Hawk in Oilville. “The Virginia Rules camp is a seven-year partnership among the Attorney General’s office, the Boys and Girls Club and the Richmond Police Department,” said Amy Wight, director of the Office of the Attorney General’s Gang Reduction and Intervention Program. “The Boys and Girls Club has given us this camp site to use for one week in the summer to do this free week long day camp for up to 80 inner city kids,” she added.The Richmond Police Department, and...

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  • VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 100 children of Virginia National Guard members participated in the seventh annual Virginia National Guard Youth Camp July 30- Aug. 3, 2012 at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. The week-long camp featured a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities, including presentations from military and civilian organizations. The campers included 63 kids between the ages of 8-12 and 38 teens between the ages of 13-17. In addition to a week of outdoor activities and arts & crafts fun, the campers spent time in the sun at the beach and traveled to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for a day of fun. This year’s camp marked a lot of firsts for the Virginia Guard Youth Camp,...

    Children of Virginia Guard Soldiers, Airmen enjoy 7th annual Youth Camp

    Posted on August 15, 2012 | No Comments
    VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 100 children of Virginia National Guard members participated in the seventh annual Virginia National Guard Youth Camp July 30- Aug. 3, 2012 at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. The week-long camp featured a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities, including presentations from military and civilian organizations. The campers included 63 kids between the ages of 8-12 and 38 teens between the ages of 13-17. In addition to a week of outdoor activities and arts & crafts fun, the campers spent time in the sun at the beach and traveled to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for a day of fun. This year’s camp marked a lot of firsts for the Virginia Guard Youth Camp,...

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