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Resilience, Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention Information Page provides resources and education to all Soldiers, Airmen, Ffamily members and civilian employees to combat high risk behaviors. The end state is a healthy organization that is resilient, knowledgeable regarding high risk behaviors, educated on stress reduction measures and aware of available Soldier-Family-employee support network resources.Quick Links
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Recent Posts
- Thunder Soldiers honored with Order of Saint Barbara
- VNG Soldiers get creative with ACFT training
- 1032nd TC completes international line haul mission
- Efforts underway to locate historic gravesites at Fort Pickett
- 34th CST trained, ready following evaluation
- New assignments to IOSC and Joint Staff announced
- FASTC officially opens doors at Fort Pickett
- Va. Army Guard recruiters recognized as top in region
- Exchange program benefits VNG Soldiers, partnerships
- Virginia National Guard to host Military Ball in February 2020
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Dept. of Military Affairs Archive
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![RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard 2020 Military Ball is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. A reception begins at 6 p.m. with the Military Ball formal dinner at 7 p.m. The Military Ball is open to all members of […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2015/10/VaGuardLogo_1oct15_100x100-115x115.jpg "Virginia National Guard to host Military Ball in February 2020")
Virginia National Guard to host Military Ball in February 2020
Posted on November 21, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard 2020 Military Ball is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. A reception begins at 6 p.m. with the Military Ball formal dinner at 7 p.m. The Military Ball is open to all members of […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard plans to mobilize approximately 30 Soldiers for state emergency support duty in the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads areas to be staged and ready to assist local and state emergency agencies respond to potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian. Soldiers will begin preparations on […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/09/DorianPrep_0002_04sep19-768x1024-115x115.jpg "Virginia National Guard to mobilize for possible response to Hurricane Dorian")
Virginia National Guard to mobilize for possible response to Hurricane Dorian
Posted on September 4, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard plans to mobilize approximately 30 Soldiers for state emergency support duty in the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads areas to be staged and ready to assist local and state emergency agencies respond to potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian. Soldiers will begin preparations on […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia National Guard hosted geographic information system training for more than two dozen National Guard Airmen, Soldiers, civilians and contractors from 10 states and territories Aug. 26- 30, 2019, at State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GIS is a mapping-based, decision tool system designed […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/09/AJC_8185-1024x678-115x115.jpg "Virginia Guard hosts NGB GIS training courses")
Virginia Guard hosts NGB GIS training courses
Posted on September 4, 2019 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia National Guard hosted geographic information system training for more than two dozen National Guard Airmen, Soldiers, civilians and contractors from 10 states and territories Aug. 26- 30, 2019, at State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GIS is a mapping-based, decision tool system designed […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated 118 cadets from Class 51 August 24, 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, […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/08/ChallengeGradAug2019_1-115x115.jpg "Commonwealth ChalleNGe Class 51 graduates 118 cadets")
Commonwealth ChalleNGe Class 51 graduates 118 cadets
Posted on August 27, 2019 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated 118 cadets from Class 51 August 24, 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, […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia — Staff from the Winchester-based STARBASE Academy traveled to Virginia Beach to provide hands-on instruction to more than 60 sons and daughters of Virginia National Guard Airmen and Soldiers at the Virginia National Guard’s 14th Annual Youth Camp July 27 – Aug. 2, 2019, at the State […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/08/48480741421_aa5e52ee77_z-1-115x115.jpg "STARBASE staff provide STEM instruction to VNG Youth Camp, ChalleNGe cadets")
STARBASE staff provide STEM instruction to VNG Youth Camp, ChalleNGe cadets
Posted on August 16, 2019 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia — Staff from the Winchester-based STARBASE Academy traveled to Virginia Beach to provide hands-on instruction to more than 60 sons and daughters of Virginia National Guard Airmen and Soldiers at the Virginia National Guard’s 14th Annual Youth Camp July 27 – Aug. 2, 2019, at the State […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia– For many cadets in the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy, the 20-week residential portion of the program is an opportunity to pursue credit recovery and return to high school. For some, they spend their time preparing to take the GED exam at the end of […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/07/ChalleNGeTCC2-115x115.jpg "Partnerships with TCC, ABC offer ChalleNGe cadets new options upon graduation")
Partnerships with TCC, ABC offer ChalleNGe cadets new options upon graduation
Posted on July 25, 2019 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia– For many cadets in the Virginia National Guard Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy, the 20-week residential portion of the program is an opportunity to pursue credit recovery and return to high school. For some, they spend their time preparing to take the GED exam at the end of […] -
![VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins, 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 a State Employee Recognition luncheon May 22, […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/05/AJC_6444-115x115.jpg "Virginia DMA honors state employees")
Virginia DMA honors state employees
Posted on May 23, 2019 | No CommentsVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins, 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 a State Employee Recognition luncheon May 22, […] -
![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, […]](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, […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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, […]](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, […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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. […]](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. […] -
![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 […]](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 […] -
![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’ […]](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’ […] -
![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 […]](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 […]