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29th Infantry Division Soldiers honored by Maryland, Virginia for overseas service

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Recently deployed Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division receive the Virginia Governor's National Service Medal for their service on federal active duty in support of worldwide contingency operations during an awards ceremony Dec 3, 2017, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Created in 2005 by then-Governor Mark R. Warner, the Governor’s National Service Medal recognizes the service of the men and women of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard called to active federal duty since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marc Heaton)

Recently deployed Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division receive the Virginia Governor’s National Service Medal for their service on federal active duty in support of worldwide contingency operations during an awards ceremony Dec 3, 2017, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Created in 2005 by then-Governor Mark R. Warner, the Governor’s National Service Medal recognizes the service of the men and women of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard called to active federal duty since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marc Heaton)

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia – Maryland and Virginia National Guard leadership each honored members of the 29th Infantry Division for their recent overseas deployment during ceremonies Dec. 2-3, 2017, in Maryland and Virginia.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran and Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, as well as Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, thanked the Soldiers and families of the 29th ID for their dedication, service and sacrifices over the past year at a holiday reception Dec. 2, 2017, at the Virginia Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Virginia.

Maj. Gen. Blake C. Ortner, 29th Infantry Division commander, and Brig. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army for the Maryland National Guard, recognize Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division for their overseas service during a Freedom Salute ceremony Dec. 3, 2017, at the Rep. Steny H. Hoyer Armory in Cheltenham, Maryland. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Scott Campbell)

Maj. Gen. Blake C. Ortner, 29th Infantry Division commander, and Brig. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Maryland National Guard, recognize Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division for their overseas service during a Freedom Salute ceremony Dec. 3, 2017, at the Rep. Steny H. Hoyer Armory in Cheltenham, Maryland. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Scott Campbell)

On Dec. 3, Maj. Gen. Blake C. Ortner, the commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, presented the Virginia Governor’s National Service Medal to more than 100 Virginia National Guard Soldiers of Headquarters Battalion, 29th ID at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Created in 2005 by then-Governor Mark R. Warner, the Governor’s National Service Medal recognizes the service of the men and women of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard called to active federal duty since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Later that day, Ortner and Brig. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Maryland National Guard, recognized Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers of the 29th for their overseas service during a Freedom Salute ceremony in Cheltenham, Maryland.

The Freedom Salute recognized Soldiers, their families, employers and organizations that contributed significantly to supporting the unit during its deployment. The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history, designed to publicly acknowledge Army Guard Soldiers and those who supported them during their call to duty.

“These were great opportunities to recognize our outstanding Soldiers and the tremendous job they did,” Ortner said. “The ability to demonstrate the attention and focus that our senior leaders at the governor and Adjutant General level have for our Soldiers is not only great for the Soldiers but shows their families as well how important they are to our states and this nation. We couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran addresses Soldiers and family members of the 29th Infantry Division at a holiday reception Dec. 2, 2017, at the Virginia Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe also thanked the Soldiers and families of the 29th ID for their dedication, service and sacrifices. (U.S. National Guard Photo by Cotton Puryear)

Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran addresses Soldiers and family members of the 29th Infantry Division at a holiday reception Dec. 2, 2017, at the Virginia Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe also thanked the Soldiers and families of the 29th ID for their dedication, service and sacrifices. (U.S. National Guard Photo by Cotton Puryear)

In July 2017 two groups of more than 500 29th Infantry Division Soldiers from Maryland and Virginia returned home after serving overseas for more than seven months.

One group, Task Force 29, mobilized in August 2016 and served in Jordan where they conducted joint training and engagements with personnel from the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, as well as other allied countries. While in Jordan the Soldiers of TF 29 coordinated and executed more than 150 security cooperation engagements and coordinated multiple exercises and subject matter expert exchanges, such as medical evacuation exercises designed to demonstrate the capability of Jordanian air assets. They also planned and coordinated multiple engagements with JAF female soldiers and participated in 13 exchanges focused on NCO duties and responsibilities in battalion and brigade command post operations.

In October 2016 another 450 members of the 29th ID headquarters entered federal active service and mobilized to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. During the deployment, the 29th ID Soldiers provided mission command for joint training exercises and military-to-military engagements with partner nations to promote regional stability and theater security cooperation. Task Force Spartan conducted more than 1,300 military-to-military engagements, planned, and executed 15 bilateral and multilateral exercises in 10 countries, coordinated and executed 17 minor military construction projects, and completed more than 30 project assessments.

“It was wonderful to see Soldiers in the 29th ID with their families being recognized by the leadership in Maryland and Virginia,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Smith, the 29th ID command sergeant major. “Our Soldiers did an outstanding job in both Jordan and Kuwait and stand ready for the next mission.”


Virginia, Maryland National Guard Soldiers lead Level 1 Funeral Honors training for Va., Md., N.C. troops

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The Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program hosts more than a dozen Soldiers from Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina for Level 1 Funeral Honors training Dec. 14, 2017, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The 40-hour certification course, which was conducted Dec. 11-15, prepares National Guard Soldiers to conduct professional military funeral honors in accordance with military service tradition and covers everything from the correct wear of the uniform, to the drill and ceremony aspects of the service, to instilling the mental toughness needed to perform the ceremonies. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

The Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program hosts more than a dozen Soldiers from Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina for Level 1 Funeral Honors training Dec. 14, 2017, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The 40-hour certification course, which was conducted Dec. 11-15, prepares National Guard Soldiers to conduct professional military funeral honors in accordance with military service tradition and covers everything from the correct wear of the uniform, to the drill and ceremony aspects of the service, to instilling the mental toughness needed to perform the ceremonies. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

CAMP PENDLETON, Virginia — More than a dozen Army National Guard Soldiers from Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina completed a five-day Level 1 Funeral Honors Training hosted by the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program Dec. 11-15, 2017, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The 40-hour certification course, which included eight Soldiers from Virginia, three from Maryland and two from North Carolina, prepares National Guard Soldiers to conduct professional military funeral honors in accordance with military service tradition and covers everything from the correct wear of the uniform, to the drill and ceremony aspects of the service, to instilling the mental toughness needed to perform the ceremonies.

Staff Sgt. Michael Beard of the Maryland National Guard Funeral Honors Program instructs two Soldiers at the Level 1 Funeral Honors Training hosted by the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program Dec. 11-15, 2017, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Beard was one of two instructors from the Maryland National Guard on hand to help lead the five-day course, which included Soldiers from Virginia Maryland and North Carolina. (Army National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

Staff Sgt. Michael Beard of the Maryland National Guard Funeral Honors Program instructs two Soldiers at the Level 1 Funeral Honors Training hosted by the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program Dec. 11-15, 2017, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Beard was one of two instructors from the Maryland National Guard on hand to help lead the five-day course, which included Soldiers from Virginia Maryland and North Carolina. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

“We really have to squeeze 10 days of training into four days,” Staff Sgt. Jason Cain, senior instructor for the program, explained. The days are long, starting with at least an hour of physical training each day and ending with uniform preparations each night.

“It’s a good combination of mental and physical,” Cain said. “Physical training s 60-90 minutes daily and then they’re working 11-12 hour days on top of that. So they’re pulling 16-17 hour days while they are here.”

“But it’s very rewarding for them in the end. You’re tired but as soon as you get that certificate it’s all worth it in the end.”

Participants are required to have 20 missions under their belt before they attend the course so most of them come in with an established level of knowledge of the proper procedures. As a result, they don’t spend a lot of time in the classroom.

“As soon as introductions are over, we go and show them before we start the instruction,” Cain said. “Most of the Soldiers come in with an idea of what it entails because they’ve already been trained by their states but we take that training to the next level. Once we show it to them, we start letting them do it. We start very slow and once we see them progress we start picking up the pace.”

“There is a lot of information and sometimes you get brain fog but you just gotta trust your training and keep going,” said Spc. Caleb Ledford of the North Carolina Army National Guard. “These are long days but you have to push through. It’s definitely an honor to do it.”

The training is important because, as retired command sergeant major Timothy White, the Virginia Military Funeral Honors contractor, explained, “We don’t get a second chance. We must be perfect in what we do.”

Staff Sgt. Jason Cain of the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program, instructs Soldiers attending Level 1 Funeral Honors Training Dec. 11-15, 2017, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The 40-hour certification course, prepares National Guard Soldiers to conduct professional military funeral honors in accordance with military service tradition and covers everything from the correct wear of the uniform, to the drill and ceremony aspects of the service, to instilling the mental toughness needed to perform the ceremonies. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

Staff Sgt. Jason Cain of the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program, instructs Soldiers attending Level 1 Funeral Honors Training Dec. 11-15, 2017, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The 40-hour certification course, prepares National Guard Soldiers to conduct professional military funeral honors in accordance with military service tradition and covers everything from the correct wear of the uniform, to the drill and ceremony aspects of the service, to instilling the mental toughness needed to perform the ceremonies. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

One thing that can’t be practiced is the emotional aspect of actually performing a funeral detail.

“There’s no real way to prepare a Soldier for what they’re going to see when they get in front of a family,” Cain said. “We can train them all day but the reality of it doesn’t hit them until they’re out there. We’ve had Soldiers come back to us after services and tell us this isn’t for them. There’s no shame in that. It definitely takes a special type of Soldier because of the physical, mental and emotional demands.”

The course, which was instructed by three Virginia Soldiers and two members of the Maryland Guard Funeral Honors Program, was the second Level 1 course Virginia has conducted with other states. Plans are now set for Virginia to host four Level 1 courses per year, one per quarter, at Camp Pendleton.

In addition, they hosted a Level 2 course in November with participants from more than a dozen states. In January Virginia will host a Level 3 course for the first time and participants will include Soldiers from 10 different states.

“We’ve also done cross training with North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee and Kentucky in some form or fashion,” said Cain, who received his Level 3 certification in South Dakota. “The best thing about having other instructors here from other states is that we exchange ideas and work together to have the entire nation on the same page. A Soldier from Virginia should be able to travel to Maryland and perform a funeral detail and there is no question about the standards.”

No matter which state they are from, Soldiers know that they have a duty to perform, one that requires professionalism and respect.

“It’s important to instill professionalism in the Soldiers, no matter what their age or rank,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Beard of the Maryland National Guard Funeral Honors program, one of the instructors at the Level 1 course. “They need to keep that professional aspect. I look to make sure the Soldiers maintain their composure no matter how long they have to be there.”

Beard, the Northern Area supervisor for the Maryland program, has been performing funeral honors since 2013 and finds it very rewarding to honor a fallen veteran, whether there’s a large family gathered for the ceremony or no one at all.

“We do it the same way,” he said. “It’s not about the family. It’s not about myself. It’s about the veteran getting the same service, to the best of our abilities.”

Family Programs hosts regional National Guard youth symposium

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Teen delegates from National Guard Family Programs in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and West Virginia gather for the Region 3 Youth Symposium March 17, 2018, in Virginia Beach. Hosted by Virginia National Guard Family Programs, the four-day event included programs designed to develop leadership skills, build resiliency, and identify and offer recommendations on issues National Guard Youth currently face. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Teen delegates from National Guard Family Programs in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and West Virginia gathered for the Region 3 Youth Symposium March 15-18, 2018, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Hosted by Virginia National Guard Family Programs, the four-day event included programs designed to develop leadership skills, build resiliency, and identify and offer recommendations on issues National Guard Youth currently face.

Brig. Gen. Lapthe Flora, the Virginia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General for Strategic Initiatives, addresses delegates from National Guard Family Programs in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and West Virginia at the Region 3 Youth Symposium March 17, 2018, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

“This year’s theme was ‘Growth of Character in Leadership’ and focused on the goals of Leadership Development, Character Development, and Building Community Capacity,” said Joe Duerksen, Lead Child and Youth Coordinator for Virginia National Guard Family Programs, who explained that all of the teens who participated sit on the respective National Guard Youth Councils in their state.

On Friday, delegates toured MacArthur Memorial and Nauticus in Norfolk, where they learned about the military successes and setbacks of leaders in the past. They also researched and presented presentations on leadership figures from history, taking lessons from their lives.

On Saturday, the delegates utilized the Army Family Action Plan process to isolate and propose solutions to three issues- financial readiness/college preparedness, lack of social networking among National Guard youth, and the issue of general Youth Program awareness. AFAP is a tool used to identify critical issues within the Army National Guard and communicate recommendations to upper leadership.

Their recommendations will be considered by each state in the region and, upon revision, will be sent to National Guard Bureau for further consideration.

Saturday included a visit from Brig. Gen. Lapthe Flora, the Virginia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General for Strategic Initiatives, who addressed leadership, resiliency and diversity with the delegates.

Teen delegates from National Guard Family Programs in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and West Virginia gather for the Region 3 Youth Symposium March 17, 2018, in Virginia Beach. Hosted by Virginia National Guard Family Programs, the four-day event included programs designed to develop leadership skills, build resiliency, and identify and offer recommendations on issues National Guard Youth currently face. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

“Leadership is all about serving others,” Flora said. “It’s about character and inspiration. If you want to be a good leader, you need to master how to inspire others. People will follow someone they respect.”

Flora shared some of his personal life story with the delegates and reminded them there’s nothing they can’t accomplish. After the communists took over Saigon, South Vietnam, in 1975, Flora spent three years in the jungles before fleeing by boat in 1979 to Indonesia. After spending a year in three separate refugee camps, he arrived in the United States in 1980.

“As you go through life you’re going to have challenges,” he said. “Some things won’t be fair. But if you know what you want to do in life and you want it very badly, you can do it. You absolutely can do it.

“There’s nothing out there you can’t accomplish if you set your mind to it,” he explained. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Education is the key to opening doors. Once you have that education all kinds of opportunities open.”

In addition to the roundtable discussions, the delegates volunteered at the local Red Cross office, where they sorted and packed boxes for the local Veterans Administration hospital.

“The enthusiasm to connect with other National Guard youth and the desire to grow as leaders was a common theme throughout the weekend that ultimately made this symposium a success,” Duerksen said. “Sharing stories, ideas, and common obstacles in order to create a better, more resilient National Guard family is what this program’s mission is about.”


Photos: Family Programs hosts regional National Guard Youth symposium

Virginia Department of Military Affairs honors, recognizes state employees

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Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Walter L. Mercer, Chief Operations Officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, present the DMA Agency Star Award to James Snead, a Fort Pickett range operations employee in the Department of Plans, Training and Security, at the 2018 State Employee Recognition luncheon May 10, 2018, at Fort Pickett. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Szoke)

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Walter L. Mercer, Chief Operations Officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, present the DMA Agency Star Award to James Snead, a Fort Pickett range operations employee in the Department of Plans, Training and Security, at the 2018 State Employee Recognition luncheon May 10, 2018, at Fort Pickett. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Szoke)

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 of times you’re doing things that are vitally important but that don’t necessarily see the light of day,” Williams told the employees in attendance at Camp Pendleton. “Thanks for that hard work that you do across the entire organization. What you do makes a tremendous difference.”

Employees in both locations first attended mandatory training for state workers in the morning. Classes covered topics including employee work profiles and effective communication, health benefits, time and attendance, travel, workers compensation, policy and safety.

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, addresses Department of Military Affairs employees at a State Employee Recognition luncheon May 23, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Senior leaders presented agency-wide awards to DMA employees for the agency star, customer service, workplace safety and health, career achievement, innovation, new employee, teamwork, community service and volunteerism. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, addresses Department of Military Affairs employees at a State Employee Recognition luncheon May 23, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Senior leaders presented agency-wide awards to DMA employees for the agency star, customer service, workplace safety and health, career achievement, innovation, new employee, teamwork, community service and volunteerism. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

Senior leaders then hosted the luncheon where they recognized individuals who have reached five, 10, 15 and 20 years of service with DMA. They also presented agency-wide awards to DMA employees for the DMA Agency Star Award, customer service, workplace safety and health, career achievement, innovation, new employee, teamwork, community service and volunteerism.

James Snead, a Fort Pickett range operations employee in the Department of Plans, Training and Security, received this year’s DMA Agency Star Award. It recognizes an individual who, through extraordinary performance and interaction with others, contributed to the mission and overall success of DMA. In addition to the award and a “thank you” letter from The Adjutant General, the award comes with a monetary award of $750.00.

“This was an opportunity for us to thank our employees for their hard work,” explained Michelle Claiborne, human resource manager for DMA. “These employees are always willing and able to support the mission of DMA.”

“I always try to find ways to say thank you to our state DMA team for all they do to support our National Guard Soldiers and Airmen throughout the year,” Mercer said. “This annual Employee Recognition Ceremony gives us the one time each year where we can all come together to say thanks and to recognize some of our top performing staff, as well as a chance to socialize and have a meal together. All good teams do this, and this DMA state staff is a great team.”

The luncheon in Virginia Beach was the first event held in the newly-refurbished Hurt Hall, which was commemorated with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting before the luncheon.


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Camp Pendleton hosts National Guard Southeastern Region Inspector General workshop

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Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, addresses more than two dozen National Guard personnel from 12 different states and territories at the Southeastern Region Inspector General workshop May 21-24, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. The four-day event featured key speakers from National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army Inspector General and Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General, as well as representatives of other states and territories. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia — More than two dozen National Guard personnel from 12 different states and territories gathered for the National Guard Southeastern Region Inspector General workshop May 21-24, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach.

“The goal of the workshop was to strengthen our IG technical assistance support channels by sharing best practices and providing professional development through facilitated discussions and presentations,” explained Maj. Michael Duggan, Deputy Inspector General for the Virginia National Guard.

The focus was on Army and Air Force IG topics with an emphasis placed on collaborative participation from IG offices. The four-day event featured key speakers from National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army Inspector General and Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General as well as representatives of other states and territories. They each provided the group with updates on the applicable regulations, policies, and procedures that govern the role of the IG in supporting the readiness of the command.

More than two dozen National Guard personnel from 12 different states and territories gather for the National Guard Southeastern Region Inspector General workshop May 21-24, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. The four-day event featured key speakers from National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army Inspector General and Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General, as well as representatives of other states and territories. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

Some topics covered included recent changes to Army Regulation 20-1, Line of Duty processing requirements, and U.S. Forces Command IG inspection trends for Focused Readiness Units.

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, visited the workshop and talked about the importance of the Inspector General.

“You really are a force multiplier,” Williams said. “You play a vital role in the military.”

Col. Jack Hunt, the Command Inspector General for the North Carolina National Guard, and the regional chair for the NGB IG Southeast Region, was the host for the event, which included inspector general personnel from Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Although this meeting was the first of its kind in more than a decade, the plan is make it an annual event going forward.

“The IG has an important role in improving and maintaining the readiness of the force,” Duggan said. “As the eyes, ears, voice and conscious of the commander, and in the case of the National Guard, the Adjutant Generals, our impartiality and separation from the command gives us a unique perspective on the challenges that our formations face. The lessons learned and shared by each of the inspector generals present at this workshop are an invaluable resource for all attendees to take back to their organizations to effect positive changes.”


Photos: Camp Pendleton hosts National Guard Southeastern Region Inspector General workshop 

Virginia Guard hosts NGB GIS training course

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The Virginia National Guard hosts geographic information system training for more than two dozen National Guard Airmen, Soldiers and civilians from more than six states and territories June 12, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

The Virginia National Guard hosts geographic information system training for more than two dozen National Guard Airmen, Soldiers and civilians from more than six states and territories June 12, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia National Guard hosted more than two dozen National Guard Airmen, Soldiers and civilians from more than six states and territories for geographic information system training June 11-15, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

GIS is a mapping-based, decision tool system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data.

The Virginia National Guard hosts geographic information system training for more than two dozen National Guard Airmen, Soldiers and civilians from more than six states and territories June 12, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GIS is a mapping-based, decision tool system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

The Virginia National Guard hosts geographic information system training for more than two dozen National Guard Airmen, Soldiers and civilians from more than six states and territories June 12, 2018, at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

The training, which was conducted in conjunction with National Guard Bureau, consisted of two classes- an entry level class for those new to GIS and advanced training for more experienced users.

“This is the migration course where they’re teaching users ArcGIS Pro,” said Linwood Hoffman, the Virginia National Guard GIS program manager. “Next door, folks are just getting into ArcMap and being introduced to GIS.”

The three-day course, which included participants from as far away as Guam, was not the first hosted by Virginia. Camp Pendleton hosted a beginner course in 2015 and 2016.

“My goal is training people so we have more users in Virginia,” Hoffman explained. “If you’re requesting a map, it helps if you already have some knowledge of how to do it. It lightens the load for a few people who have the capability and adds another tool in the functionality of a person’s job. You can not only use it within your department but elsewhere.”


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AG swears in new JFHQ Inspector General

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Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, swears in Col. Anthony Daniels as the new Joint Force Headquarters – Virginia Command Inspector General Sept. 6, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. The IG serves as an extension of the eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of the Adjutant General. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Michael Duggan)

RICHMOND, Va. — Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, swore in Col. Anthony Daniels as the new Joint Force Headquarters – Virginia Command Inspector General Sept. 6, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the Army and Air Guardsmen and civilians in the great Commonwealth of Virginia while enhancing the command’s readiness and warfighting capability through the Inspector General’s functions in accordance with the AG’s priorities,” Daniels said.

The role of the Inspector General is to, among other things, be a fair and impartial fact finder. The IG serves as an extension of the eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of the Adjutant General. Among other things, the IG advises the AG on matters that effect morale and mission accomplishment and teaches, coaches and mentors the chain of command and NCO support channel. The IG also provides assistance to Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and family members, develops the force through training and teaching, and conducts inspections and investigations to uphold standards.

Daniels, a native of Columbus, Ohio, most recently commanded the 116th Military Intelligence Brigade Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination Battalion at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

He enlisted in the Army in 1988 and graduated from Methodist University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Daniels was commissioned in the U.S. Army Aviation Branch in June 1996 and served in a number of aviation units. He graduated from the Military Intelligence Captains Career Course and Combined Arms and Services Staff School and subsequently served in various assignments domestically and overseas.

Daniels’ deployments include Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, Joint Guardian, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and Resolute Support.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Parachutist Badge, Senior Aviator Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Canadian Parachutist Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge, and the Army Staff Badge. He is a recipient of the Order of St. Michael and the Knowlton Award.

29th ID Headquarters Battalion changes command at Fort Belvoir

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Lt. Col. Edward Lewis assumes command of Headquarters Battalion, 29th Infantry Division from Lt. Col. H. Cary Payne Nov. 4, 2017, at Fort Belvoir, Va. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marc Heaton)

Lt. Col. Edward Lewis assumes command of Headquarters Battalion, 29th Infantry Division from Lt. Col. H. Cary Payne Nov. 4, 2017, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marc Heaton)

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia — Lt. Col. Edward Lewis assumed command of Headquarters Battalion, 29th Infantry Division from Lt. Col. H. Cary Payne during a traditional change of command ceremony Nov. 4, 2017, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Gen. Blake C. Ortner, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, presided over the passing of colors that symbolizes the transfer of command from Payne to Lewis.

Maj. Gen. Blake C. Ortner, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, presents Lt. Col. H. Cary Payne with the Meritorious Service Medal Nov. 4, 2017, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Payne is retiring after more than 30 years of service to the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marc Heaton)

Maj. Gen. Blake C. Ortner, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, presents Lt. Col. H. Cary Payne with the Meritorious Service Medal Nov. 4, 2017, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Payne is retiring after more than 30 years of service to the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marc Heaton)

Lewis takes command of the battalion after it recently returned from an overseas deployment and prepares for a year filled with exercises and training opportunities across the country.

Ortner congratulated Payne on his accomplishments and the performance of his Soldiers during his command.

“Lt. Col. Payne has done an exceptional job,” Ortner said. “A commander sets the course. The Soldiers do the rowing. You set the tone.

“You were the right person at the right time to take on this command,” Ortner added.

Payne, who is retiring after more than 30 years of service to the U.S. Army, was presented with a Meritorious Service Medal and left behind a few words of wisdom for his fellow Soldiers on professionalism, personal standard and being present in the moment.

“Old Soldiers never die,” Payne added. “They just fade away.”

Headquarters Battalion consists of four companies and earlier in the day a change of command was held for Operations Company, 29th Infantry Division. Capt. Christopher Duncan assumed command of the company from Capt. Isaac Seo.

“If there was one company I could have wished for,” Duncan said, “it’s this one.”

Payne lauded Seo for his leadership and accomplishments while in command.

“Isaac, you’re going to be missed,” Payne said. “Be proud of yourself and these Soldiers.”


91st Cyber Brigade conducts groundbreaking for new headquarters

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Senior leadership of the Virginia National Guard, 91st Cyber Brigade and Fort Belvoir break ground on a new headquarters for the 91st Cyber Brigade Nov. 16, 2018, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The new readiness center will be a 41,162 square foot facility that will serve as an administration and operations building, and construction is expected to be complete in August 2020. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne)

FORT BELVOIR, Va.– Senior leadership of the Virginia National Guard, 91st Cyber Brigade and Fort Belvoir broke ground on a new headquarters for the 91st Cyber Brigade Nov. 16, 2018, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

“The fact we’re here today is a testament to the hard work and the nation’s requirements that dictate what we’re trying to do,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy P Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. “It was a very short four years ago that we launched into this thing called ‘cyber.’ Not only did we grow this brigade and the subordinate battalions but then the hard work of the staff to start working on the facility.”

The new readiness center will be a 41,162 square foot facility that will serve as an administration and operations building, and construction is expected to be complete in August 2020.

“Today, we formally start this building for the 91st Cyber Brigade,” said Col. Adam Volant, commander of the 91st Cyber Brigade. “This recognized previous work to build the formation itself- the Soldiers, the equipment, the training, the readiness, and the actual capabilities that we bring to the warfighter. Many people have been a part of that and many of you are here today so thank you for that.”

“We look forward to being tenants here on Fort Belvoir,” Volant added. “We’ll be close to our partners here in Army Cyber and the PEO EIS [Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems] office. They’re long relationships we look to improve upon as we move forward.”

The 91st, currently based in Bowling Green, Virginia, was activated as the Army National Guard’s first cyber brigade Sept. 17, 2017, and provides training and readiness oversight for cyber units across 31 states and deploys personnel to meet the demands of growing cyber mission sets throughout the U.S. Army and Department of Defense.


Photos:

Flickr91st Cyber Brigade conducts groundbreaking for new headquarters at Fort Belvoir– Nov. 16, 2018

Commonwealth ChalleNGe Class 50 graduates 117 cadets

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The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduates 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 Academy, in congratulating the cadets on finishing the five-and-a-half-month program. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

The Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduates 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 Academy, in congratulating the cadets on finishing the five-and-a-half-month program. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

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 Academy, in congratulating the cadets on finishing the five-and-a-half-month program.

“Congratulations! We’re proud of you,” Chicoine said. “You’re alumni now and you’ll always be welcomed back.”
Then Chicoine gave them a few last tidbits of instruction.

Commonwealth ChalleNGe, the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, is a 17-and-a-half-month program designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership, while promoting self-esteem, confidence and pride. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

Commonwealth ChalleNGe, the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, is a 17-and-a-half-month program designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership, while promoting self-esteem, confidence and pride. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)

“Lead by example. Control your attitude. Be respectful to others,” he said. “Do the right thing when no one’s looking and give it your best effort every day. Remember you represent ChalleNGe.”

Commonwealth ChalleNGe, the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, is a 17-and-a-half-month program designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership, while promoting self-esteem, confidence and pride.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity I was offered here,” Terrell Mackey, the guest speaker, said to the cadets. A Commonwealth ChalleNGe alumnus who went on to a career in the U.S. Navy and as a business owner, Mackey reminded the graduates that their journey has just begun.

“A lot of people don’t get a second opportunity,” he said. “I found here if I applied myself I’d accomplish things I never thought I could.”

ChalleNGe aims to intervene in the lives of 16-18 year-old teenagers by providing values, skills, education and self-discipline needed to produce responsible, productive citizens, and to do so in a highly-structured learning environment.

It includes a five-and-a-half-month residential program which focuses on preparing at-risk teens and high school dropouts for the General Educational Development test and future employment, military or higher education opportunities.

According to Chicoine, Class 50 has a 100% placement rate. Forty-one graduates are going on to higher education while 51 are returning to high school. As part of the credit-recovery program, Class 50 earned more than 110 credits.
Four graduates are joining the Virginia National Guard while six weren’t at the ceremony because they have already joined the military and left for basic training. Seven graduates are joining the Job Corps, four are going directly into the work force and three have joined apprentice programs.

“Congratulations! Go forth and accomplish your dreams,” Mackey said. “Do everything you ever wanted to do and don’t let anyone stop you. I look forward to seeing great things from you all.”


Photos: Commonwealth ChalleNGe Class 50 graduates 117 cadets– March 2, 2019

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