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- Paintball leads to enlistment to follow in father’s footsteps
- Norfolk armory named in honor of VNG D-Day combat medic
- 116th IBCT more combat ready after XCTC rotation at Fort Pickett
- Recruit Sustainment Program produces greater success rate for newer recruits
- 1945th Contracting Team Soldiers recognized by Norfolk Naval Shipyard
- Virginia Defense Force Life Saving Medal presented at SMR
- VDF chaplains provide support at Fort Pickett chapel during annual training season
- Ceremony recognizes dedicated crew chiefs
- Partnerships with TCC, ABC offer ChalleNGe cadets new options upon graduation
- Son follows father into Virginia Army National Guard
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Va. Defense Force Archive
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![RICHMOND, Va. — Spc. (Va.) Nathaniel R. Hollis received the Virginia Defense Force Life Saving Medal Aug. 3, 2019, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. First Lt. (Va.) John Neiland, commander of the VDF’s Delta Company, 2nd Regiment presented the award in recognition of the actions Hollis took during a fire in his neighborhood. According to the […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/08/VDF_LifeSavingMedal_3aug19-115x115.jpg "Virginia Defense Force Life Saving Medal presented at SMR")
Virginia Defense Force Life Saving Medal presented at SMR
Posted on August 4, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Spc. (Va.) Nathaniel R. Hollis received the Virginia Defense Force Life Saving Medal Aug. 3, 2019, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. First Lt. (Va.) John Neiland, commander of the VDF’s Delta Company, 2nd Regiment presented the award in recognition of the actions Hollis took during a fire in his neighborhood. According to the […] -
![FORT PICKETT, Va. — Virginia Defense Force chaplains are volunteering their time to conduct Sunday services at the Fort Pickett Bulla Chapel through the summer to provide religious support to Soldiers conducting training on the installation. The partnership between the Virginia National Guard Chaplain Corps and the VDF Chaplain Corps opens the chapel every Sunday from June 2 through Aug. […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/08/VDF_FortPickettChapel_15jul19_001-115x115.jpg "VDF chaplains provide support at Fort Pickett chapel during annual training season")
VDF chaplains provide support at Fort Pickett chapel during annual training season
Posted on August 2, 2019 | No CommentsFORT PICKETT, Va. — Virginia Defense Force chaplains are volunteering their time to conduct Sunday services at the Fort Pickett Bulla Chapel through the summer to provide religious support to Soldiers conducting training on the installation. The partnership between the Virginia National Guard Chaplain Corps and the VDF Chaplain Corps opens the chapel every Sunday from June 2 through Aug. […] -
![LYNCHBURG, Va. — Members of the all-volunteer Virginia Defense Force conducted training on the communications systems and security capabilities they could use during emergency response operations in support of the Virginia National Guard July 13, 2019, in Lynchburg, Virginia. VDF personnel trained on high frequency radio employment for voice and data messaging and security capabilities like access control. The VDF […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2014/08/PatchVADF75-115x115.jpg "Virginia Defense Force conducts communications and security training in Lynchburg")
Virginia Defense Force conducts communications and security training in Lynchburg
Posted on July 13, 2019 | No CommentsLYNCHBURG, Va. — Members of the all-volunteer Virginia Defense Force conducted training on the communications systems and security capabilities they could use during emergency response operations in support of the Virginia National Guard July 13, 2019, in Lynchburg, Virginia. VDF personnel trained on high frequency radio employment for voice and data messaging and security capabilities like access control. The VDF […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force took part in the United Resolve multi-state, multi-agency communications exercise at locations across the state June 1, 2019, and they assisted local law enforcement at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day June 6 at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. “The VDF participation in the United Resolve communications […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/06/04_D-Day75_Bedford_6jun19_0010-1-115x115.jpg "VDF trains on communications skills, supports D-Day ceremony in Bedford")
VDF trains on communications skills, supports D-Day ceremony in Bedford
Posted on June 8, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force took part in the United Resolve multi-state, multi-agency communications exercise at locations across the state June 1, 2019, and they assisted local law enforcement at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day June 6 at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. “The VDF participation in the United Resolve communications […] -
![BEDFORD, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen greeted World War II veterans and acted as military escorts during a roll call honoring their service at the observation of the 75th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 2019, at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band performed ceremonial music, […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/06/DDay1-115x115.jpg "Bedford ceremonies mark 75th anniversary of D-Day")
Bedford ceremonies mark 75th anniversary of D-Day
Posted on June 7, 2019 | No CommentsBEDFORD, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen greeted World War II veterans and acted as military escorts during a roll call honoring their service at the observation of the 75th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 2019, at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band performed ceremonial music, […] -
![WINCHESTER, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force operated traffic control points and provided mission command support May 3-5, 2019, at the 92nd Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia. Members of the all-volunteer VDF from units across the state assisted local law enforcement in keeping traffic moving and operated TCPs during a variety of events. The VDF also […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/05/01_VDF_ABF_3mary19_0225-115x115.jpg "VDF supports law enforcement at Apple Blossom Festival")
VDF supports law enforcement at Apple Blossom Festival
Posted on May 5, 2019 | No CommentsWINCHESTER, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force operated traffic control points and provided mission command support May 3-5, 2019, at the 92nd Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia. Members of the all-volunteer VDF from units across the state assisted local law enforcement in keeping traffic moving and operated TCPs during a variety of events. The VDF also […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Defense Force celebrated its 35th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony April 18, 2019, at the Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. With historical roots dating back to World War I, the modern Virginia Defense Force was formally reestablished in 1984, and Virginia General Assembly Joint Resolution 864 commends the VDF on […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/04/01_VDF_35th_CakeCutting_18apr19_0036-115x115.jpg "Virginia Defense Force celebrates 35th anniversary")
Virginia Defense Force celebrates 35th anniversary
Posted on April 20, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Defense Force celebrated its 35th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony April 18, 2019, at the Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. With historical roots dating back to World War I, the modern Virginia Defense Force was formally reestablished in 1984, and Virginia General Assembly Joint Resolution 864 commends the VDF on […] -
Virginia General Assembly Joint Resolution commends VDF on its 35th anniversary
Posted on April 17, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — With historical roots dating back to World War I, the modern Virginia Defense Force was formally reestablished April 18, 1984, and Virginia General Assembly Joint Resolution 864 commends the VDF on its 35th anniversary. VDF history traces back to the Virginia Volunteers in World War I, the Virginia Protective Force and Virginia State Guard in World War […] -
![FORT PICKETT, Va. — Members of the all-volunteer Virginia Defense Force conducted communications and security operations training March 15-17, 2019, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Nearly 200 personnel participated in security training focused on a vehicle inspection and traffic control, and communications training featured classroom instruction and hands-on high frequency radio employment for voice and data messaging. “We met our goals […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/04/02_VDF_MUTA_16mar19_0521c-115x115.jpg "VDF conducts communications, security training")
VDF conducts communications, security training
Posted on March 21, 2019 | No CommentsFORT PICKETT, Va. — Members of the all-volunteer Virginia Defense Force conducted communications and security operations training March 15-17, 2019, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Nearly 200 personnel participated in security training focused on a vehicle inspection and traffic control, and communications training featured classroom instruction and hands-on high frequency radio employment for voice and data messaging. “We met our goals […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force took part in the “Perfect Storm” statewide amateur radio emergency communications exercise Jan. 19, 2019, in Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia, and the VDF was among the nearly 80 amateur operators and agencies registered for this annual event. In Richmond, VDF personnel trained on amateur radio systems and built partnerships with amateur […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2019/02/01_VDF_PerfectStorm_CommEx_18jan19_0007-115x115.jpg "VDF takes part in statewide amateur radio exercise")
VDF takes part in statewide amateur radio exercise
Posted on January 25, 2019 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force took part in the “Perfect Storm” statewide amateur radio emergency communications exercise Jan. 19, 2019, in Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia, and the VDF was among the nearly 80 amateur operators and agencies registered for this annual event. In Richmond, VDF personnel trained on amateur radio systems and built partnerships with amateur […] -
![The Virginia National Guard is a unique dual-status force with a federal mission to provide a combat reserve for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to fight our nation’s wars and a state mission to provide a response force that answers the call of the Governor to defend the commonwealth. The VNG traces the history and tradition of Citizen-Soldier […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2015/10/VaGuardLogo_1oct15_100x100-115x115.jpg "About the Virginia National Guard")
About the Virginia National Guard
Posted on January 1, 2019 | No CommentsThe Virginia National Guard is a unique dual-status force with a federal mission to provide a combat reserve for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to fight our nation’s wars and a state mission to provide a response force that answers the call of the Governor to defend the commonwealth. The VNG traces the history and tradition of Citizen-Soldier […] -
![I want to say “Thank you” to our Soldiers, Airmen, Virginia Defense Force members and federal and state civilians for their hard work over the last year, and I also want to extend a special thanks to our families and employers whose support is so critical to mission success. This has been an incredibly busy year, and we all know […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2015/03/SealOfTheAGofVA_2Star_14may15-115x115.jpg "Adjutant General’s 2018 Holiday Message")
Adjutant General’s 2018 Holiday Message
Posted on December 21, 2018 | No CommentsI want to say “Thank you” to our Soldiers, Airmen, Virginia Defense Force members and federal and state civilians for their hard work over the last year, and I also want to extend a special thanks to our families and employers whose support is so critical to mission success. This has been an incredibly busy year, and we all know […] -
![FORT PICKETT, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force conducted a point of distribution exercise Nov. 3, 2018, in Blackstone and Crewe, Virginia, during a multi-day training assembly based at Fort Pickett. VDF members also conducted evaluations on communication and incident management teams as well as set up and operation of mobile communication platforms. Instructors also taught a variety […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/11/01_N6A1908-115x115.jpg "VDF conducts point of distribution exercise, continues to evolve to meet new challenges")
VDF conducts point of distribution exercise, continues to evolve to meet new challenges
Posted on November 15, 2018 | No CommentsFORT PICKETT, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force conducted a point of distribution exercise Nov. 3, 2018, in Blackstone and Crewe, Virginia, during a multi-day training assembly based at Fort Pickett. VDF members also conducted evaluations on communication and incident management teams as well as set up and operation of mobile communication platforms. Instructors also taught a variety […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — Virignia National Guard personnel took part in Veterans Day observations across the commonwealth Nov. 10-12, 2018, to honor all Americans who served and are currently serving in the armed forces as well as commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. Senior leaders took part in ceremonies with elected officials, and Soldiers, Airmen […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/11/01_VetsDay_Bedford_12nov18_0221-115x115.jpg "Veterans recognized across the commonwealth")
Veterans recognized across the commonwealth
Posted on November 14, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — Virignia National Guard personnel took part in Veterans Day observations across the commonwealth Nov. 10-12, 2018, to honor all Americans who served and are currently serving in the armed forces as well as commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. Senior leaders took part in ceremonies with elected officials, and Soldiers, Airmen […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Defense Force brought nearly 50 personnel on state active duty to assist the Virginia National Guard with the statewide response to Hurricane Florence Sept. 9-18, 2018. VDF personnel provided multiple capabilities including interoperable communications, operations center augmentation, operations center liaison, incident management assistance, state-managed shelter logistics and public information. “The responsiveness of VDF personnel to […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/09/VDF_IMAT_12sep18-115x115.jpg "VDF augments Virginia National Guard support for Hurricane Florence")
VDF augments Virginia National Guard support for Hurricane Florence
Posted on September 21, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Defense Force brought nearly 50 personnel on state active duty to assist the Virginia National Guard with the statewide response to Hurricane Florence Sept. 9-18, 2018. VDF personnel provided multiple capabilities including interoperable communications, operations center augmentation, operations center liaison, incident management assistance, state-managed shelter logistics and public information. “The responsiveness of VDF personnel to […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard staged more than 1,500 personnel Sept. 12, 2018, at key locations across the commonwealth to support local and state emergency management officials with possible response to Hurricane Florence, but most were not needed when the storm turned further south. When Governor Ralph Northam authorized Virginia’s resources could be redirected to North Carolina, the […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/09/1173rdHighwater-115x115.jpg "VNG supports multi-state, multi-agency response to Hurricane Florence")
VNG supports multi-state, multi-agency response to Hurricane Florence
Posted on September 20, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard staged more than 1,500 personnel Sept. 12, 2018, at key locations across the commonwealth to support local and state emergency management officials with possible response to Hurricane Florence, but most were not needed when the storm turned further south. When Governor Ralph Northam authorized Virginia’s resources could be redirected to North Carolina, the […] -
![RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has more than 1,300 personnel staged and ready to support local and state emergency management officials with response to Hurricane Florence Sept. 12, 2018. VNG Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force are staged at key locations across the commonwealth in order to rapidly respond if needed. “I am incredibly proud […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/09/IMG_5202-115x115.jpg "Virginia National Guard staged and ready for possible Hurricane Florence support")
Virginia National Guard staged and ready for possible Hurricane Florence support
Posted on September 13, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has more than 1,300 personnel staged and ready to support local and state emergency management officials with response to Hurricane Florence Sept. 12, 2018. VNG Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force are staged at key locations across the commonwealth in order to rapidly respond if needed. “I am incredibly proud […] -
Virginia National Guard to support statewide response to Hurricane Florence
Posted on September 10, 2018 | No CommentsRICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard is planning to initially bring up to 1,500 Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force on state active duty for possible assistance with the state’s response operations for Hurricane Florence. Governor Ralph Northam has authorized up to 6,000 personnel for response operations and those individuals are alerted and on standby. Potential […] -
![FORT PICKETT, Va. — More than 150 members of the Virginia Defense Force conducted communications and security operations training July 13-15, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The security training focused on a variety of access control scenarios, and the communications training featured a first-ever ground-to-air communications test with the Virginia Civil Air Patrol. “The July training weekend was extremely successful, […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/07/01_VNG_14jul18_0217-115x115.jpg "VDF trains on security tasks, conducts commo exercise with CAP")
VDF trains on security tasks, conducts commo exercise with CAP
Posted on July 18, 2018 | No CommentsFORT PICKETT, Va. — More than 150 members of the Virginia Defense Force conducted communications and security operations training July 13-15, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The security training focused on a variety of access control scenarios, and the communications training featured a first-ever ground-to-air communications test with the Virginia Civil Air Patrol. “The July training weekend was extremely successful, […] -
![SANDSTON, Va. — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented certificates to 12 Virginia Department of Military Affairs personnel who completed Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training May 18, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. Along with 13 personnel who completed Green Belt training in March, this cadre of LSS practitioners will go to work looking at ways […]](https://vaguard.dodlive.mil/files/2018/06/LSS_BB_18may18_0015-115x115.jpg "DMA personnel complete Black Belt training")
DMA personnel complete Black Belt training
Posted on June 4, 2018 | No CommentsSANDSTON, Va. — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented certificates to 12 Virginia Department of Military Affairs personnel who completed Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training May 18, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. Along with 13 personnel who completed Green Belt training in March, this cadre of LSS practitioners will go to work looking at ways […]