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![RICHMOND, Va. — Dozens of Vietnam-era veterans were honored with a ceremony and special pin during a Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration March 29, 2019, at the Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond, Virginia. The ceremony, hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, featured Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins, and commander […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/04/001VietnamVetsDay_20190329_022-115x115.jpg "Virginia’s vets honored on National Vietnam Veterans Day")
Virginia’s vets honored on National Vietnam Veterans Day
Posted on April 3, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Dozens of Vietnam-era veterans were honored with a ceremony and special pin during a Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration March 29, 2019, at the Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond, Virginia. The ceremony, hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, featured Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins, and commander […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Two recent events marking Women’s History Month and Virginia Women Veterans Week 2019 honored Virginia National Guard’s female Soldiers and veterans, including one woman serving with the Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Sgt. Taylor Cunningham, who works full-time with the 1-111th, was recognized during the Military Through The Ages event […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/03/Women-Veterans-Event_20190318_017-115x115.jpg "Events honor Virginia National Guard’s women Soldiers and veterans")
Events honor Virginia National Guard’s women Soldiers and veterans
Posted on March 20, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Two recent events marking Women’s History Month and Virginia Women Veterans Week 2019 honored Virginia National Guard’s female Soldiers and veterans, including one woman serving with the Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Sgt. Taylor Cunningham, who works full-time with the 1-111th, was recognized during the Military Through The Ages event […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated 117 cadets from Class 50 March 2, 2019, at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach. Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Walt Mercer, chief operations officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, joined Mark Chicoine, director of the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/03/ChalleNGe_MAR19_1-115x115.jpg "Commonwealth ChalleNGe Class 50 graduates 117 cadets")
Commonwealth ChalleNGe Class 50 graduates 117 cadets
Posted on March 14, 2019 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated 117 cadets from Class 50 March 2, 2019, at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach. Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Walt Mercer, chief operations officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, joined Mark Chicoine, director of the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth […] -
![FORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia Department of Military Affairs Safety and Occupational Health Office conducted its inaugural Trades Technician Training Course Nov. 8, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The day-long course, which was hosted in coordination with the DMA facilities, operations, maintenance and environmental sections, focused on hot topics in the safety and environmental arenas. “Safety is of the […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/wp-content/themes/arras.1.5.1.1/images/thumbnail.png "DMA hosts inaugural Trades Technician Training Course")
DMA hosts inaugural Trades Technician Training Course
Posted on November 14, 2018 | No CommentsFORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia Department of Military Affairs Safety and Occupational Health Office conducted its inaugural Trades Technician Training Course Nov. 8, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The day-long course, which was hosted in coordination with the DMA facilities, operations, maintenance and environmental sections, focused on hot topics in the safety and environmental arenas. “Safety is of the […] -
![BLACKSTONE, Va. — Fort Pickett Fire & Rescue hosted instruction on the National Incident Management System Training Program Incident Command System Level 300 Course Oct. 3, 10 and 11, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. In addition to training their own personnel, first responders from nearby organizations also took part. “The ICS 300 course is advanced training where students learn to […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/11/IMG_20181003_104709860-115x115.jpg "Fort Pickett Fire & Rescue hosts incident command course")
Fort Pickett Fire & Rescue hosts incident command course
Posted on October 17, 2018 | No CommentsBLACKSTONE, Va. — Fort Pickett Fire & Rescue hosted instruction on the National Incident Management System Training Program Incident Command System Level 300 Course Oct. 3, 10 and 11, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. In addition to training their own personnel, first responders from nearby organizations also took part. “The ICS 300 course is advanced training where students learn to […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy transitioned 140 candidates to cadets during a ceremony Oct. 12, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “I want you all to think about what you’ve accomplished today,” Mark Chicoine, director of the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy, told the newly-minted cadets. “You’ve gone through acclimation, […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/10/ChalleNGe_Ceremony_2018_2-115x115.jpg "ChalleNGe Class 50 candidates transition to cadets during induction ceremony")
ChalleNGe Class 50 candidates transition to cadets during induction ceremony
Posted on October 16, 2018 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy transitioned 140 candidates to cadets during a ceremony Oct. 12, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “I want you all to think about what you’ve accomplished today,” Mark Chicoine, director of the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy, told the newly-minted cadets. “You’ve gone through acclimation, […] -
![Richmond, Va. — The Virginia Department of Military Affairs conducted its second Supervisor Course Sept. 18-20, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. The three-day course focused on teaching supervisors how to manage state staff, with an emphasis on state human resources and safety requirements, pay and benefits management, evaluations and discipline. It included practical training on […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/10/DMA-supervisor-course-SEP-2018-115x115.jpeg "DMA hosts second supervisors course at SMR")
DMA hosts second supervisors course at SMR
Posted on October 3, 2018 | No CommentsRichmond, Va. — The Virginia Department of Military Affairs conducted its second Supervisor Course Sept. 18-20, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. The three-day course focused on teaching supervisors how to manage state staff, with an emphasis on state human resources and safety requirements, pay and benefits management, evaluations and discipline. It included practical training on […] -
![FORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia Department of Military Affairs conducted its first-ever Supervisor Course June 4-7, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The class was held at Fort Pickett, but may be conducted at other locations in the future. “Talking to the state staff and looking at the trends and data from the climate survey we conducted last year showed […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/07/IMG_0815-115x115.jpg "DMA conducts its first-ever Supervisor Course")
DMA conducts its first-ever Supervisor Course
Posted on June 28, 2018 | No CommentsFORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia Department of Military Affairs conducted its first-ever Supervisor Course June 4-7, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The class was held at Fort Pickett, but may be conducted at other locations in the future. “Talking to the state staff and looking at the trends and data from the climate survey we conducted last year showed […] -
![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 […]](https://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 […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Department of Military Affairs state employees conduced a continuity of operations exercise April 11-13, 2018, at the Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The three-day exercise simulated an emergency which forced the employees to leave Fort Pickett and relocate to Virginia Beach. It provided an opportunity for 24 DMA employees to test […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/04/DMA_COOP-115x115.jpg "Virginia Dept. of Military Affairs conducts continuity of operations exercise")
Virginia Dept. of Military Affairs conducts continuity of operations exercise
Posted on April 15, 2018 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Department of Military Affairs state employees conduced a continuity of operations exercise April 11-13, 2018, at the Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The three-day exercise simulated an emergency which forced the employees to leave Fort Pickett and relocate to Virginia Beach. It provided an opportunity for 24 DMA employees to test […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — After years of research, planning and approval processes, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs finally received more than $1.7 million in Statewide Agencies Radio System, or STARS, equipment. On March 15, 2018, representatives from the Virginia State Police, who manage the system, conducted a short training session on the equipment for Virginia Soldiers, Airmen and members of […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/03/STARS-115x115.jpg "DMA personnel train on new radio equipment with VSP")
DMA personnel train on new radio equipment with VSP
Posted on March 20, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — After years of research, planning and approval processes, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs finally received more than $1.7 million in Statewide Agencies Radio System, or STARS, equipment. On March 15, 2018, representatives from the Virginia State Police, who manage the system, conducted a short training session on the equipment for Virginia Soldiers, Airmen and members of […] -
![FORT PICKETT, Virginia — Fort Pickett staff members and first responders from the Town of Blackstone, Dinwiddie County and the Virginia State Police conducted an active shooter training exercise Sept. 29, 2017, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The exercise was designed to assess Virginia National Guard, state and local first responders’ capabilities and identify any gaps or shortfalls in the current […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2017/10/DSC_0079-115x115.jpg "Active shooter exercise tests Fort Pickett, local first responders’ capabilities")
Active shooter exercise tests Fort Pickett, local first responders’ capabilities
Posted on October 4, 2017 | No CommentsFORT PICKETT, Virginia — Fort Pickett staff members and first responders from the Town of Blackstone, Dinwiddie County and the Virginia State Police conducted an active shooter training exercise Sept. 29, 2017, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The exercise was designed to assess Virginia National Guard, state and local first responders’ capabilities and identify any gaps or shortfalls in the current […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and senior leaders joined members of the Virginia Defense Force April 26, 2017, for Unity Day, hosted by the Virginia National Guard’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and Equal Opportunity Office at the Mullins Readiness Center in Sandston, Virginia. The event, in its inaugural year, aimed to recognize and celebrate the diversity of […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2017/05/DSC_1107-115x115.jpg "Va. Guard hosts Unity Day event to recognize diversity")
Va. Guard hosts Unity Day event to recognize diversity
Posted on May 1, 2017 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and senior leaders joined members of the Virginia Defense Force April 26, 2017, for Unity Day, hosted by the Virginia National Guard’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and Equal Opportunity Office at the Mullins Readiness Center in Sandston, Virginia. The event, in its inaugural year, aimed to recognize and celebrate the diversity of […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — One hundred years after America entered the conflict of what would become known as World War I, Virginia citizens, veterans and leaders joined Virginia National Guard Soldiers for a commemoration ceremony April 6, 2017, at the Virginia War Memorial Carillon in Richmond, Virginia. The event, hosted by the Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission included […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2017/04/170406WWI-Commemoration-0156-115x115.jpg "Va. Guard helps commemorate 100th anniversary of U.S. entry to WWI")
Va. Guard helps commemorate 100th anniversary of U.S. entry to WWI
Posted on April 11, 2017 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — One hundred years after America entered the conflict of what would become known as World War I, Virginia citizens, veterans and leaders joined Virginia National Guard Soldiers for a commemoration ceremony April 6, 2017, at the Virginia War Memorial Carillon in Richmond, Virginia. The event, hosted by the Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission included […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Military Ball is scheduled for April 29, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m. in Richmond, Virginia. The Virginia Department of Military Affairs, the WWI and WWII Commemorative Committees, the Virginia National Guard Officer’s Association and the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association are hosting the event that will consist of a cocktail hour, plated dinner, a […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2017/04/VaMilitaryBall-115x115.jpg "Inaugural Virginia Military Ball scheduled for April 29, 2017")
Inaugural Virginia Military Ball scheduled for April 29, 2017
Posted on March 10, 2017 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Military Ball is scheduled for April 29, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m. in Richmond, Virginia. The Virginia Department of Military Affairs, the WWI and WWII Commemorative Committees, the Virginia National Guard Officer’s Association and the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association are hosting the event that will consist of a cocktail hour, plated dinner, a […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force will be on hand Jan. 19, 2017, with equipment displays in the Darden Garden outside the Virginia General Assembly Building in Richmond, Virginia, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to demonstrate some of the capabilities the Virginia Guard and VDF can provide […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2017/01/VaGuardDay2016-115x115.jpg "Va. National Guard personnel scheduled to display equipment outside General Assembly building Jan. 19")
Va. National Guard personnel scheduled to display equipment outside General Assembly building Jan. 19
Posted on January 18, 2017 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force will be on hand Jan. 19, 2017, with equipment displays in the Darden Garden outside the Virginia General Assembly Building in Richmond, Virginia, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to demonstrate some of the capabilities the Virginia Guard and VDF can provide […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard is encouraging its members to check in on their battle buddies and wingmen Dec. 22, 2016, to make sure they are doing well and help them find resources if they are experiencing hardship or in crisis. As part of the initiative, Soldiers and Airmen should call, text or make plans to get together […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2015/12/VaGuardBuddyCheck_15dec15-115x115.jpg "Va. National Guard encouraging “buddy checks” Dec. 22")
Va. National Guard encouraging “buddy checks” Dec. 22
Posted on December 20, 2016 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — The Virginia National Guard is encouraging its members to check in on their battle buddies and wingmen Dec. 22, 2016, to make sure they are doing well and help them find resources if they are experiencing hardship or in crisis. As part of the initiative, Soldiers and Airmen should call, text or make plans to get together […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — As we near the holiday season, I think it’s appropriate to reflect briefly on 2016 and the great work our force has done supporting operations both federal and state. A few of the highlights include the mobilization of more than 1,500 Soldiers and Airmen on federal active duty, initiating construction on a new state headquarters, modernization and […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2015/10/VaGuardLogo_1oct15_100x100-115x115.jpg "Adjutant General’s 2016 Holiday Message")
Adjutant General’s 2016 Holiday Message
Posted on December 16, 2016 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — As we near the holiday season, I think it’s appropriate to reflect briefly on 2016 and the great work our force has done supporting operations both federal and state. A few of the highlights include the mobilization of more than 1,500 Soldiers and Airmen on federal active duty, initiating construction on a new state headquarters, modernization and […] -
![SANDSTON, Virginia — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Brig. Gen. Paul F. Griffin, Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff, and Walter L. Mercer, Director of Personnel and Administration for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, recognized and thanked Virginia Department of Military Affairs state employees at luncheons and awards ceremonies May 10, 2016, […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2016/05/DSC_9890-115x115.jpg "Dept. of Military Affairs recognizes, thanks state employees")
Dept. of Military Affairs recognizes, thanks state employees
Posted on May 18, 2016 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Virginia — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Brig. Gen. Paul F. Griffin, Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff, and Walter L. Mercer, Director of Personnel and Administration for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, recognized and thanked Virginia Department of Military Affairs state employees at luncheons and awards ceremonies May 10, 2016, […] -
Mercer selected as new DMA Director of Personnel and Administration
Posted on February 19, 2016 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Walter L. Mercer has been selected to succeed Stephen L. Huxtable as the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Director of Personnel and Administration according to an announcement made Feb. 19, 2016, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Huxtable will retire March 1, 2016, after more than 40 years of civilian and military […]