
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe host a reception for families of deployed Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Dec. 6, 2015, at Virginia’s Executive Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #25 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Dec. 18, 2015
In this issue:
- Governor, First Lady host receptions for Va. Guard families
- Va. Air Guard to stand up cyber operations squadronArtillery Soldiers provide opposing force at JRTC
- Sandston-based aviation units to mobilize in 2016 for duty in Kuwait
- Former AG receives Distinguished Service Medal
- Va. Guard transporters haul millions in equipment for 29th ID
- Va. Guard Youth Program seeks volunteers

Lt. Gen. Michael Tucker (left), First Army commanding general, speaks with Brig. Gen. Blake Ortner, commanding general of the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Division, during the Warfighter Exercise 16-2 Nov.18, 2015, at Camp Atterbury, Ind. . Note: Photo altered for security purposes. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nazly Confesor, First Army Public Affairs Office)
Issue #24 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Dec. 4, 2015
In this issue:
- 29th Infantry Division tested at Warfighter Exercise
- Task Force Normandy begins security mission
- Va. Soldier escorts acting Secretary of the Army through shoot house
- Aviator with 40 years military service flies final flight
- Griffin promoted to brigadier general
- Va. Guard encouraging “buddy checks” Dec. 16

Col. Lapthe C. Flora, commander of 91st Troop Command, visit with D-Day veteran John Kessler before Virginia’s Veterans Parade Nov. 7, 2015, in Roanoke, Va.(Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Issue #23 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Nov. 20, 2015
In this issue:
- Veterans honored at events across the state
- 116th Infantry veterans and Soldiers gather for annual muster
- Fall Family Day combines education, fun
- VDF conducts multi-state, multi-agency commo exercise
- 192nd Intelligence Squadron to receive Meritorious Unit Award
- Fort Pickett training site named for 183rd RTI instructor
- 192nd MSG recognizes new commander

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fairfax-based Data Processing Unit join representatives from 14 states in displaying cyber capabilities at the U.S. House of Representatives National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus State Cyber Day Oct. 22, 2015, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #22 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Nov. 6, 2015
In this issue:
- House Caucus Cyber Day highlights Guard capabilities
- TRADOC leaders visit Recruit Sustainment Program at Camp Pendleton
- Va. Guard aviation crews aid in drug eradication
- Ring named new Va. Army Guard chief of staff
- Professional development forum to discuss data measurement
- Guard’s 1916-1917 border service showcased in new exhibit

Family members, friends, members of the community and senior leaders from state government and the Virginia National Guard bid farewell to the Virginia Beach-based Delta Platoon, 229th Military Police Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Oct. 18, 2015 in Virginia Beach, Va., at a ceremony to mark their start of federal active duty. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Issue #21 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Oct. 23, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. Beach MP platoon begins federal active duty
- Va. Guard officer recognized for lifesaving efforts
- Cedar Bluff-based engineers conduct AT in Germany
- 200th Weather Flight supports World Cycling Championship operations
- ChalleNGe Class 44 transitions from candidates to cadets
- Langley Airmen return from supporting ISIL airstrike missions

Soldiers assigned to the Virginia National Guard’s Portsmouth-based 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th IBCT conduct reconnaissance patrols Oct. 4, 2015, in Gloucester, Va. (Contributed Photo)
Issue #20 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Oct. 9, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. National Guard flood response a joint effort
- Smith named new CSM for 29th Infantry Division
- VDF exercise tests interoperable communications capabilities
- Workshop helps logisticians share best practices
- 116th IBCT welcomes a diverse group of new leaders
- Guard leaders build partnerships with base visit
- Ceremony pays tribute to Battle of Point Pleasant

Lt. Col. Kurt K. Kobernik, commander of Task Force Normandy, and Command Sgt. Maj. Alvin N. Martin, the task force command sergeant major, case the unit’s organizational colors to signify their departure from Virginia at a ceremony held Sept. 9, 2015 at Fort A. P. Hill, Va. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #19 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Sept. 25, 2015
In this issue:
- Ceremony marks start of federal duty for TF Normandy
- Gallagher takes command of 329th Regional Support Group
- Family Programs receives accreditation for services, assistance, support
- ESGR Boss Lift introduces civilian, state leaders to Va. Guard, Fort Pickett
- Camp Pendleton hosts 3-day GIS training for Va. Guard
- Va. Guard encouraging “buddy checks” Sept. 30

Soldiers of the Virginia National Guard Marksmanship Team pose with their trophies following the regional marksmanship competition, held Aug. 27-30, 2015, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.
Issue #18 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Sept. 11, 2015
In this issue:
- Soldiers excel at regional marksmanship match
- CBRNE capabilities demo shows off Guard response ability
- Airmen, veterans, families celebrate 30th anniversary of 203rd RED HORSE
- MP platoon prepares for federal duty in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
- Fort Benning-based training team brings Air Assault, Pathfinder to Virginia
- Virginia Guard schoolhouse certifies new rappel masters
- 8th MISG (A) Soldiers learn leadership, tactics and teamwork

Army Staff Sgt. Brian Merritt, right, a recruiting and retention noncommissioned officer form the Virginia Army National Guard, is awarded the Army Commendation Medal by Army Lt. Gen. Timothy Kadavy, the director of the Army National Guard, during a ceremony at Arlington Hall Station, Aug. 3, 2015 in Arlington, Va. (Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Darron Salzer, National Guard Bureau/Released)
Issue #17 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Aug. 28, 2015
In this issue:
- Recruiter honored for outstanding performance
- Army Guard medics refresh training at Fort Pickett
- Whittington named First Army Deputy Commanding General for Operations
- Va. Air Guard trains to provide “big picture” service during emergencies
- Va. Guard OCS commissions 17 new officers
- Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy Class 43 graduates 92 cadets

Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the Virginia Beach-based 229th Military Police Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group conduct Army Warrior Task training on individual movement techniques Aug. 14, 2015, at Fort Pickett, Va., during their three weeks of pre-mobilization training to prepare for an upcoming deployment. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #16 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Aug. 14, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. Beach Soldiers to deploy to Guantanamo Bay
- Va. Guard Airmen take part in joint exercise in Alaska
- UMO course trains Soldiers, Coast Guard on logistics of deploying
- Air Component Commander promoted to brigadier general
- 29th ID trains for Warfighter Exercise during annual training
- Va. Guard CBRN Soldiers share knowledge, experience in Tajikistan

Brig. Gen. Blake C. Ortner takes command of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. Charles W. Whittington Jr. in a traditional change of command ceremony held July 24, 2015, at Fort Pickett, Va. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Terra C. Gatti, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #15 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Jul 31, 2015
In this issue:
- Ortner takes command of 29th Infantry Division
- VDF conducts multi-state communication exercise
- Johnson to succeed Holcomb as Va. Army Guard CSM
- Va. National Guard honors volunteers at Volunteer Recognition Workshop
- Winchester-based infantry battalion trains for overseas deployment
- Va. Guard aviation battalion trains at Fort Pickett

Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct final preparations for their pre-mobilization annual training July 9, 2015, in Winchester, Va. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #14 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – July 17, 2015
In this issue:
- Winchester-based infantry battalion to deploy overseas
- 116th Infantry D-Day veteran laid to rest in Charlottesville
- Soldiers excel at state, regional, national-level marksmanship matches
- 29th ID Soldiers support Operation Inherent Resolve
- Governor recognizes 529th CSSB at Freedom Salute
- Military youth attend Virginia Guard Teen Wilderness Adventure Camp
- Virginia Guard leaders learn about logistics
- Retired Guard Soldier first to apply for Va. Vet ID under new law

Shawn Mason, Support Services Manager for the Western Region for the Department of Corrections, hands over the keys to the former Botetourt Correctional Center to Lt. Col. Charlton Dunn, Virginia National Guard construction and facilities management officer, June 16, 2015, in Troutville, Va, (Contributed photo)
Issue #13 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – July 3, 2015
- Real estate for Roanoke-area Readiness Center acquired
- 34th CST certified as fully mission capable
- 116th IBCT Soldiers selected for first-ever MIBT with First Army
- 276th Engineer Battalion gets back to basics during AT
- 1030th Transportation Battalion heads to Fort Polk for annual training
- Va. Guard engineers continue Henry County economic development project
- 116th IBCT undertakes largest movement since WWII
- Virginia Guard maintainers reinforce skills at Camp Dodge
- Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise challenges the 116th IBCT

Brig. Gen. Ronald Kirklin, the 53rd Quartermaster General and Commandant of the Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Sellers, the 12th Regimental Command Sergeant Major of the Army Quartermaster Corps, attach the Distinguished Unit of the Regiment streamer to the organizational colors of the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group during the Quartermaster Regimental Honors and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony June 5, 2015, at Fort Lee, Va. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #12 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – June 19, 2015
In this issue:
- 529th CSSB recognized as Distinguished Unit of the Regiment
- 29th ID, Va. Guard commemorate 71st anniversary of D-Day
- 203rd RED HORSE Squadron conducts training mission in Guam
- Commonwealth ChalleNGe hosts cadets for athletic, academic competition
- 329th RSG units conduct AT at Fort Pickett
- NORTHCOM training courses prepare JFHQ to respond

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and his wife Cheryl place the Virginia National Guard wreath at the Eternal Flame in the Shrine of Memory honoring the Virginia National Guard at the 2015 CommonwealthÕs Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #11 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – June 5, 2015
In this issue:
- Virginia’s fallen warriors remembered on Memorial Day
- 116th IBCT Soldier wins at Regional Best Warrior Competition
- Ortner to take command of 29th Infantry Division
- Tremps named as new commander of Virginia Air National Guard
- Va. Guard Soldiers recognized for life-saving efforts during winter storms
- Va. Guard RTI builds infantry skills at basic, advanced level
- Williams promoted to major general
- 116th IBCT heads to Fort Drum for annual training
- Wright retires after 34 years of service

Senior leaders from the Virginia National Guard, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and state government gather to celebrate the 408th birthday of the Virginia National Guard and the founding of the Jamestown colony with a cake cutting May 14, 2015, at Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, Va (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #10 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – May 22, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. National Guard celebrates 408th birthday
- Va. Guard CERFP validated after external evaluation
- Flora takes command of 91st Troop Command
- DMA state employees recognized at Camp Pendleton, Fort Pickett
- Va. Guard aviators add training value, build partnership with Special Forces
- Virginia Air Guard doctors support Ebola medical monitoring program
- Va. National Guard joining Memorial Day observations
- Va. Army, Air Guard families help clean state park
- Adjutant General’s 2015 Memorial Day Message
- 192nd IS Airmen win ISR award program in five categories
- New incentives encourage Va. Guard retention

Brig. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, prepares to symbolically turn the switch to send power from the newly-constructed solar array to the administrative and classroom facilities at the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute and signifying the Virginia National Guard’s commitment to sustainable an energy security at a switch-on ceremony April 30, 2015, at Fort Picket, Va. (Photo by Capt. Andrew J. Czaplicki, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #9 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter. – May 8, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. Guard switches on Fort Pickett solar array
- VDF keeps traffic moving at Apple Blossom Festival
- Gate City-based detachment named top unit in Va. Army Guard
- Commonwealth ChalleNGe continues changing lives one cadet at a time
- Va. Guard Soldiers gain valuable experience while assigned to JNGAU
- Soldiers from 529th CSSB return to Virginia after federal deployment
- Lynchburg battalion builds solid UAS program
- Recruiter wins competition, earns “Golden Ticket”

Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy White, the command team of the 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, case their unit colors during a ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 14, 2015. The 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion relinquished authority of operations to the Fort Riley-based 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion after they completed their nine-month mission. (Photo by Spc. Rochelle Prince-Krueger, 3rd Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)
Issue #8 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – April 25, 2015
In this issue:
- 529th CSSB completes Kuwait deployment, returns to U.S.
- Va. Guard Soldier welcomes home grandfather’s remains
- Va. Guard howitzers fly over Fort Pickett
- Virginia cyber warriors join multi-state exercise at Camp Atterbury
- 116th IBCT plants trees in honor Civil War Soldiers
- Va. Guard officer candidates hold on to history
- Volunteer Appreciation Week recognizes family programs, VDF
- Ranger-qualified Soldiers excel in Leesburg infantry company

Spc. Adam Sotelo (far left), the 2014 Virginia National Guard Soldier of the Year and Sgt. John Fracker (far right) the 2014 Virginia Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, stand with Command Sgt. Maj. Carl Holcomb, the Virginia Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major, March 29, 2015, at Fort Pickett, Va. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Terra C. Gatti, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #7 of the Commonwealth’s Guardian bi-weekly newsletter – April 10, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. Guard Best Warrior Competition names top Soldier, NCO
- 192nd FW, RAF participate in fighter integration
- Va. Guard aviators train with first responders
- 183rd RTI trains military police officers
- Assistant AG leads professional development discussion
- DHS search & rescue team conducts training at Camp Pendleton
- Camp Pendleton hosts runners for Shamrock Marathon

A computer rendering shows an early design concept being considered for the new Virginia National Guard state headquarters facility to be built at Defense Supply Center-Richmond in Chesterfield County, Va. (Contributed Artwork)
Issue #6 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – March 27, 2015
In this issue:
- Virginia Guard begins design phase of new state headquarters
- Virginia Guard Airmen supporting global operations
- 34th CST shares information, experience during mortuary affairs exercise
- Equipment, clothing secured in new lockers at 19 readiness centers
- 192nd and 1st Fighter Wings perform combat training at Red Flag
- 116th IBCT Soldiers represent modern military at Jamestown history event
- AKO email to shut down
- 192nd SCMS welcomes new commander
- Soldiers, Marines clear trees, create habitats at Fort Pickett

The Virginia Air National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron holds a memorial service March 3, 2015, at Camp Pendleton to honor 18 unit members and three Florida Army Guard aviators killed 14 years ago. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Terra C. Gatti, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #5 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – March 13, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. Guard remembers Airmen, Soldiers of 203rd RHS crash
- SC, Va. National Guard troops support Vigilant Guard
- Va. Guard wraps up fourth round of snow response operations
- Completing SSD courses a top priority for Va. Guard Soldiers
- 116th IBCT engineers build connections with 82nd Airborne engineers
- JAG Soldiers hold annual conference
- Workplace Violence Awareness taught at Fort Pickett
- 192nd FW Fitness Assessment Cell tests strength, endurance

A Virginia Army National Guard aviation crew from the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment delivers food, mail and medicine Feb. 19, 2015, to iced-in Tangier Island, Va. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Terra C. Gatti, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #4 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Feb. 27, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. Guard aviators deliver supplies to iced-in Tangier Island
- Va. Guard assistance continues after more snow hits
- CERFP trains in preparation of external evaluation
- Soldier, family resources consolidates online
- Virginia Guard G-4 hosts workshop for food service personnel
- 34th CST Soldiers take part in nuclear power plant exercise

Rep. Barbara Comstock visits 5th grade students from Indian Hollow Elementary School taking part in activities at the Winchester STARBASE Academy Jan. 30, 2015, at the Virginia National Guard’s Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center in Winchester, Va. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #3 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter. – Feb. 13, 2015
In this issue:
- Rep. Comstock visits Winchester STARBASE Academy
- Fort Pickett offers engineer project opportunities
- 183rd RTI trains transporters
- Combat medics sharpen skills during refresher course
- Personal financial counseling available to Va. Guard members through April
- 116th IBCT conducts communications exercise

Members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force demonstrate and display some of their domestic response capabilities and equipment outside the Virginia General Assembly Building Jan. 21, 2015, in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Capt. Andrew J. Czaplicki, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #2 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Jan. 30, 2015
In this issue:
- Va. Guard displays capabilities to General Assembly
- Va. National Guard aviators depart for border
- Infantrymen train on advanced leader skills
- Va. Guard Soldiers demonstrate medical skills during Warrior Exercise
- Gibbs selected as new Fort Pickett command sergeant major
- AG briefs JLC on legislative initiatives for General Assembly

Members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force demonstrate some of their domestic operations capabilities with equipment displays outside the Virginia General Assembly Building Jan. 15, 2014, in Richmond. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
Issue #1 of the 2015 “Commonwealth’s Guardian” bi-weekly newsletter – Jan. 16,2015
In this issue:
- DMA to display capabilities to General Assembly
- Virginia Guard, VDF demonstrated readiness in 2014
- Va. Guard D-Day veteran honored as a Knight in French Legion of Honor
- Camp Pendleton hosts busy training weekend
- Wright to command Va. Air National Guard following Johnson retirement
- 192nd Intel Squadron recognizes new commander