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W.Va. Guard and Irregular Warfare Center sign Memorandum of Understanding
April 24, 2024
Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Dennis Walters, Director of the Irregular Warfare Center, during a Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare program ceremony at Camp Dawson, Kinwgood, West Virginia, April 19, 2024. The IWC advances Department of Defense irregular warfare concepts, doctrine, and education, in collaboration with U.S. Joint Forces, key Allies and Partner Nations. The memorandum of understanding helps formalize the WVNG/IWC relationship, including enhancing opportunities for joint training exercises such as Ridge Runner and Ridge Healer programs, and additional sponsored events. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Edwin L. Wriston)
2024 Best Warrior, West Virginia National Guard
April 20, 2024
portrait of service member, knees to head, set on background of ariel photo of Camp Dawson in the summer.
West Virginia National Guard host key partners for SENTRY STORM 2024
April 19, 2024
A U.S. Air Force C130J-30 flies as Distinguished Visitors (DV) look on during Sentry Storm 24 DV Day, April 17, 2024, at Camp Branch, Logan County, W.Va. Sentry Storm is an exercise staged at McLaughlin ANGB in Charleston, Camp Branch in Logan County, Shepherd Field in Martinsburg and the skies over West Virginia, involving an estimated 500 personnel from the state’s Air and Army National Guard, partnering National Guard units from Kentucky, North Carolina, and Michigan, as well as Civil Air Patrol units. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. De-Juan Haley)
W.Va. Guard to promote director, joint operations to brigadier general
April 16, 2024
GRAPHIC with the text: COL Art Garffer's promotion ceremony to the rank of Brigadier General will be livestreamed on the West Virginia National Guard Facebook page on Thursday, April 18, 2024, beginning at 1220 eastern standard time.
W.Va. Guard hosts 3rd annual statewide Military Retiree Appreciation Day
April 16, 2024
Photos from the third annual West Virginia Military Retiree Appreciation Day held at the Glen Jean Armed Forces Reserve Center in Glen Jean, West Virginia, on April 13, 2024. Hosted by the West Virginia National Guard, the even drew more than 200 military retirees, immediate family and surviving spouses from all branches and components and provided a venue for retirees to get updates on benefits and current retiree issues, as well as to reconnect with service and veteran service support organizations. (Army National Guard photo by Edwin L. Wriston)
W.Va. Guard continues to build and expand important international partnerships
April 12, 2024
Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, and members of the WVNG senior leadership, pose for a photo with members of the U.S. Embassy Military team and Gen. Carlos Rabanal, Peruvian Deputy Commander for the Chief of Defense, at the Peruvian Joint Command in Lima, Peru, in late March, 2024. (Courtesy Photo)
167th Airlift Wing celebrates reopening of Fuel Cell Maintenance Hangar
April 5, 2024
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Crane, West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General, ceremoniously cuts a ribbon to mark the reopening of Hangar 305, Shepherd Field, Martinsburg, West Virginia, April 5, 2024. Attendees included local, state and federal representatives and staff, West Virginia National Guard leadership and 167th AW Airmen. A renovation project to remedy the Hangar 305’s foundation issues was completed in February 2024, allowing 167th Maintenance Group personnel to resume aircraft fuel cell maintenance in the facility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by SMSgt Emily Beightol Deyerle)
Opinion: The Importance of NATO on its 75th Anniversary
April 5, 2024
Graphic on NATO 75th Anniversary. (U.S. Army National Guard graphic by Edwin L. Wriston)
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Deployed and documenting: West Virginia’s 153rd PAD supports multinational mission in Kosovo

Four Soldiers from the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 153rd Public Affairs Detachment are currently deployed to Kosovo in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The unit has documented more than 200 missions, capturing the efforts of multinational forces through photos, videos and written stories that showcase patrols, training exercises and readiness activities.
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Deployed and documenting: West Virginia’s 153rd PAD supports multinational mission in Kosovo

Four Soldiers from the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 153rd Public Affairs Detachment are currently deployed to Kosovo in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The unit has documented more than 200 missions, capturing the efforts of multinational forces through photos, videos and written stories that showcase patrols, training exercises and readiness activities.
Details Download

Deployed and documenting: West Virginia’s 153rd PAD supports multinational mission in Kosovo

Four Soldiers from the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 153rd Public Affairs Detachment are currently deployed to Kosovo in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The unit has documented more than 200 missions, capturing the efforts of multinational forces through photos, videos and written stories that showcase patrols, training exercises and readiness activities.
Details Download

Deployed and documenting: West Virginia’s 153rd PAD supports multinational mission in Kosovo

Four Soldiers from the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 153rd Public Affairs Detachment are currently deployed to Kosovo in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The unit has documented more than 200 missions, capturing the efforts of multinational forces through photos, videos and written stories that showcase patrols, training exercises and readiness activities.
Details Download

W.Va. Guard Family Programs earns first-time “GO” on national certification

This month the West Virginia National Guard Office of Family Programs underwent rigorous Army and Air Force Accreditation which, once achieved, certifies programs in accordance with the standards set by the National Guard Bureau for Family Readiness Programs across the nation for the next four years. Out of the 50 standards reviewed, the West Virginia Army National Guard received zero “NOT MET STANDARDS” and was granted first-time GO for certification under the leadership of Program Director Steve Queen and Program Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Sgt. 1st Class Lorie Hayes.
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W.Va. Guard Family Programs earns first-time “GO” on national certification

This month the West Virginia National Guard Office of Family Programs underwent rigorous Army and Air Force Accreditation which, once achieved, certifies programs in accordance with the standards set by the National Guard Bureau for Family Readiness Programs across the nation for the next four years. Out of the 50 standards reviewed, the West Virginia Army National Guard received zero “NOT MET STANDARDS” and was granted first-time GO for certification under the leadership of Program Director Steve Queen and Program Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Sgt. 1st Class Lorie Hayes.
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W.Va. Guard Family Programs earns first-time “GO” on national certification

This month the West Virginia National Guard Office of Family Programs underwent rigorous Army and Air Force Accreditation which, once achieved, certifies programs in accordance with the standards set by the National Guard Bureau for Family Readiness Programs across the nation for the next four years. Out of the 50 standards reviewed, the West Virginia Army National Guard received zero “NOT MET STANDARDS” and was granted first-time GO for certification under the leadership of Program Director Steve Queen and Program Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Sgt. 1st Class Lorie Hayes.
Details Download

W.Va. Guard Family Programs earns first-time “GO” on national certification

This month the West Virginia National Guard Office of Family Programs underwent rigorous Army and Air Force Accreditation which, once achieved, certifies programs in accordance with the standards set by the National Guard Bureau for Family Readiness Programs across the nation for the next four years. Out of the 50 standards reviewed, the West Virginia Army National Guard received zero “NOT MET STANDARDS” and was granted first-time GO for certification under the leadership of Program Director Steve Queen and Program Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Sgt. 1st Class Lorie Hayes.
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West Virginia National Guard hosts NATO’s largest live-fire cyber resilience exercises in the world

The West Virginia National Guard hosted Locked Shields 2025, NATO’s largest live-fire cyber defense exercise, drawing more than 90 participants from the U.S. military, allied nations, federal agencies, and major tech companies. Set against a simulated invasion scenario, teams faced nearly 10,000 cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure. West Virginia National Guard played a central role in planning and execution, highlighting its growing presence in national cybersecurity efforts and strengthening partnerships through hands-on collaboration and legal interoperability.
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West Virginia National Guard hosts NATO’s largest live-fire cyber resilience exercises in the world

The West Virginia National Guard hosted Locked Shields 2025, NATO’s largest live-fire cyber defense exercise, drawing more than 90 participants from the U.S. military, allied nations, federal agencies, and major tech companies. Set against a simulated invasion scenario, teams faced nearly 10,000 cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure. West Virginia National Guard played a central role in planning and execution, highlighting its growing presence in national cybersecurity efforts and strengthening partnerships through hands-on collaboration and legal interoperability.
Details Download

West Virginia National Guard hosts NATO’s largest live-fire cyber resilience exercises in the world

The West Virginia National Guard hosted Locked Shields 2025, NATO’s largest live-fire cyber defense exercise, drawing more than 90 participants from the U.S. military, allied nations, federal agencies, and major tech companies. Set against a simulated invasion scenario, teams faced nearly 10,000 cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure. West Virginia National Guard played a central role in planning and execution, highlighting its growing presence in national cybersecurity efforts and strengthening partnerships through hands-on collaboration and legal interoperability.
Details Download

West Virginia National Guard hosts NATO’s largest live-fire cyber resilience exercises in the world

The West Virginia National Guard hosted Locked Shields 2025, NATO’s largest live-fire cyber defense exercise, drawing more than 90 participants from the U.S. military, allied nations, federal agencies, and major tech companies. Set against a simulated invasion scenario, teams faced nearly 10,000 cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure. West Virginia National Guard played a central role in planning and execution, highlighting its growing presence in national cybersecurity efforts and strengthening partnerships through hands-on collaboration and legal interoperability.
Details Download

West Virginia National Guard hosts NATO’s largest live-fire cyber resilience exercises in the world

The West Virginia National Guard hosted Locked Shields 2025, NATO’s largest live-fire cyber defense exercise, drawing more than 90 participants from the U.S. military, allied nations, federal agencies, and major tech companies. Set against a simulated invasion scenario, teams faced nearly 10,000 cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure. West Virginia National Guard played a central role in planning and execution, highlighting its growing presence in national cybersecurity efforts and strengthening partnerships through hands-on collaboration and legal interoperability.
Details Download

Key leaders gather for Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise showcase, reinforcing value of West Virginia’s unique training platform

The West Virginia National Guard, in partnership with the Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center, hosted distinguished visitors during the Ridge Runner/ Ridge Healer Irregular Warfare Exercise at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia, on April 15, 2025. Participants were varied across the irregular warfare spectrum, all with an interest in Ridge Runner IWX, a special forces multi-domain exercise for both U.S. Forces, as well as Allied and Partner Nation forces, tailored to specific evolving threat scenarios faced by modern special operations and conventional forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Zoe Morris)
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250415-Z-TB920-3008

(From left to right) Director, Secretariat for Special Operations Dr. Sandra Hobson, Irregular Warfare Center Director Dr. Dennis Walters, Colby Jenkins, performing as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, West Virginia National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. James Jones and WVNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. James Seward receive a briefing during the Ridge Runner/ Ridge Healer Irregular Warfare Exercise 25-01 distinguished visitors day at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia, on April 15, 2025. Visitors were varied across the irregular warfare spectrum, all with an interest in Ridge Runner IWX, a special forces multi-domain exercise for both U.S. Forces, as well as Allied and Partner Nation forces, tailored to specific evolving threat scenarios faced by modern special operations and conventional forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Zoe Morris)
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250415-Z-TB920-3009

Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise Deputy Director Jason Smith addressed distinguished visitors during the West Virginia National Guard and Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center Ridge Runner IWX 25-01 at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia, on April 15, 2025. Participants were varied across the irregular warfare spectrum, all with an interest in Ridge Runner IWX, a special forces multi-domain exercise for both U.S. Forces, as well as Allied and Partner Nation forces, tailored to specific evolving threat scenarios faced by modern special operations and conventional forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Zoe Morris)
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250415-Z-TB920-3010

West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. James Seward, in partnership with the Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center, hosted distinguished visitors during the Ridge Runner/ Ridge Healer Irregular Warfare Exercise at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia, on April 15, 2025. Participants were varied across the irregular warfare spectrum, all with an interest in Ridge Runner IWX, a special forces multi-domain exercise for both U.S. Forces, as well as Allied and Partner Nation forces, tailored to specific evolving threat scenarios faced by modern special operations and conventional forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Zoe Morris)
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West Virginia National Guard’s AITEC leads crucial battle against hidden threats to U.S. infrastructure

– The West Virginia National Guard’s Army Interagency Training and Education Center Critical Infrastructure Protection Battalion stepped into the national spotlight by hosting its first-ever Critical Infrastructure Protection Workshop, April 8-9 at Camp Dawson, in Kingwood, West Virginia The event brought together representatives from over 37 states and territories, numerous federal agencies, and all levels of the Department of Defense to address the escalating threats facing essential U.S. public utilities, resources, and cybersecurity systems our country now faces. (Photo by: Edwin Wriston)
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Chaplain Corps annual sustainment training

The West Virginia National Guard’s Chaplain Corps convened for its 2025 Annual Chaplain Sustainment Training April 4-5 at the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The training brought together 28 chaplains and religious affairs specialists from West Virginia and Maryland for two days of instruction, collaboration, and strategic planning.
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Chaplain Corps annual sustainment training

The West Virginia National Guard’s Chaplain Corps convened for its 2025 Annual Chaplain Sustainment Training April 4-5 at the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The training brought together 28 chaplains and religious affairs specialists from West Virginia and Maryland for two days of instruction, collaboration, and strategic planning.
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Video by Sgt. Cheryl Madolev, Staff Sgt. Mickey Miller, Sgt. Davis Rohrer
WVNG Best Warrior Competition 2024 Video
153rd Public Affairs Detachment
March 19, 2024 | 4:11
Soldiers and Airmen from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guard compete in the West Virginia National Guard Best Warrior Competition held April 19-21, 2024, at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of warrior training tasks including weapons proficiency on the M4 rifle, 9mm pistol, land navigation, physical fitness, combat first aid, tactical movements, communications, and professional development activities. Photos by 153rd Public Affairs Det., WVARNG
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