CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
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.
West Virginia was the 27th state this year to undergo the inspection. NGB officials visited the Family Programs main office at Joint Forces Headquarters in Charleston, West Virginia, May 10-11, 2025.
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.
Due to recent employee turnover at both West Virginia Air National Guard Wings, NGB will finalize their GO certification once replacements are hired and trained. However, all source documents prepared and uploaded by prior WVANG staff Beth Melton and Sherri Lewis were considered valid and will remain relevant upon NGB's return.
“I'm extremely proud of the entire Family Programs team, Army and Air Force,” said Col. J. Allen Martin, the WVNG Joint Resiliency Director (J9).
“This was a well-led, organized, and methodical process,” said Martin. “It was no easy check-the-box inspection for certification, as several other states failed. The 50 graded standards set a high bar for caring for our warfighters and their families.”
Some of the standards measured include administration and management, Emergency Family Assistance, Deployment Assistance Program and volunteer management.
“This Accreditation reflects the outstanding work and exceptional support the staff does every day,” said Queen. “Accomplishing this on our first attempt is remarkable, especially since several states are still navigating this process.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sgt. 1st Class Lorie Hayes, our Family Readiness NCOIC, and Amy Long, our Lead Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist, for their long hours and unwavering dedication in bringing this all together,” Queen said.
He added a special thanks to all his staff: Brandi Buckland (Rife) in Parkersburg, Angela McDougal and Lisa Dixon in Kingwood, Heather Neal in Glen Jean, Kelli Persinger in Summersville, and Brittany Taylor and Susan Izzo in Charleston.
“Our team is committed to supporting our service members, veterans and military families across the great state of West Virginia,” said Queen.