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A small unmanned aircraft system operator course was conducted on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Feb. 19-28, 2026. The 10-day course is conducted by the 166th Regiment - Regional Training Institute and teaches students how to properly operate small drones in large scale combat scenarios. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Kayden Bedwell)
Drones up: WV Guardsmen train for the modern battlefield
By Sgt. Kayden Bedwell | July 1, 2026
A small unmanned aircraft system operator course was conducted Feb. 19-28 at Fort Indiantown Gap...

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Cochran, Assistant Adjutant General-Air, West Virginia National Guard, hands Col. Randall Wright the 167th Airlift Wing’s guidon during a change of command ceremony at the 167th Airlift Wing dining facility, Martinsburg, West Virginia, June 13, 2026. The guidon is a physical embodiment of the wing’s history, lineage, and the loyalty of the airman serving beneath it. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Sencindiver)
Wright assumes command of the 167th Airlift Wing
By 2nd Lt. Ashley Almeida | June 15, 2026
A change of command ceremony to mark the transition of wing leadership was held at the 167th Airlift Wing, Shepherd Field, Martinsburg, West Virginia, June 13...

Air National Guardsmen take a photo with locals while volunteering at a orphanage during their deployment in Djibouti, Feb. 21. Members of the 130th Airlift Wing set up a medical clinic to assist with wound care for the local populace. (Courtesy Photo)
More Than a Deployment: Two Guardsmen Find Purpose Through Service
By Tech. Sgt. Kelvin McConnell | June 12, 2026
As the sun rises over the Horn of Africa, a small team from the 130th Airlift Wing prepares for another day of service. After breakfast, they gather their equipment, climb into a vehicle and head to a local orphanage along...

U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe throws the ceremonial first pitch during the Washington Nationals National Guard Appreciation Game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., May 18, 2026. The first-pitch baseball was presented by Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, prior to the game honoring National Guard service members and their contributions to the nation. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brianna Rodriguez-Munns.
National Guard Day at Nationals Park Celebrates Guard Service, Community
By Capt. James Mason, | May 19, 2026
More than 250 Soldiers and Airmen from throughout the National Guard took part in National Guard Day at Nationals Park in Washington, highlighting the Guard’s service, sacrifice and community connection.Guard members joined...

Behind the Lens: 153rd PAD Delivers Full Coverage at Best Warrior Competition
By Erica Bodker | May 15, 2026
While Soldiers and Airmen from across West Virginia and the District of Columbia National Guard competed in the Best Warrior Competition hosted by the West Virginia Army National Guard on April 9-12, 2026, there was another...

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth presents the Soldier’s Medal to Army Maj. Ryan S. Reynolds, 771st Troop Command Battalion executive officer; and the Airman’s Medal to Air Force Maj. Edwin O. Stanfield, 167th Airlift Wing intelligence officer, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, May 4, 2026. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Carson Croom.
West Virginia Guardsmen Awarded Medals for Heroism in Nation's Capital
By C. Todd Lopez, | May 6, 2026
Two West Virginia National Guardsmen were recognized May 4 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes for actions late last year while working as part of Joint Task Force District of Columbia – an effort directed by President Donald J...

Members of the National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Office conduct livestream operations during the virtual NGB-PA Public Affairs Training Workshop, in Arlington, Va., April 22, 2026. The Public Affairs Training Workshop is an annual event that brings the Guard enterprise together and ensures that Public Affairs professionals have a platform to share best practices and get the most up to date information such as pending changes to the field. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Amber Peck.
W.Va. PAO on crisis panel, National Guard Bureau Hosts Public Affairs Training Workshop
By Capt. James Mason, | April 29, 2026
ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Office hosted its 2026 Public Affairs Training Workshop, April 20-22, a three-day virtual event bringing together more than 225 public affairs professionals from 52...

The West Virginia National Guard’s Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise & Laboratory is a uniquely innovative and globally influential joint multinational training program, innovation laboratory, and U.S. Special Operations Forces validation platform headquartered out of Camp Dawson, West Virginia. Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Steve Nordhaus attended his first RR IWX & Laboratory Distinguished Visitors Day on April 22, 2026, at the invitation of WVNG Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, and Ridge Runner Program Director, Col. Tyler Vaughn.  (U.S. Army National Guard photos)
From the West Virginia Hills to Capitol Hill, Guard’s Irregular Warfare exercise recognized at forefront of global deterrence, strategic agility, and warfighter innovation
By Army Sgt. Zoe Morris, West Virginia National Guard | April 27, 2026
The day after praising the West Virginia National Guard’s Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise & Laboratory while testifying before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Steve...

(Retired) U.S. Air National Guard Colonel William D. Peters Jr. stands proud after his induction into the Hall of Honor at the 130th Airlift Wing Headquarters building in Charleston, W. Va. on April 11, 2026. Peters was inducted for his exemplary service and advancement to state aviation, spanning over three decades in length. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kelvin McConnell)
130th Airlift Wing Inducts Bill Peters into Hall of Honor
By | April 17, 2026
The 130th Airlift Wing honored United States Air Force (Ret.) Col. William D. Peters Jr. at the Wing Headquarters building by inducting him as the newest member to the Hall of Honor on April 11, 2026...

Over 100 joint warfighters from across the country had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with and give direct feedback on the latest developments in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense technology at the Science & Technology CBRN-Capability Operational User Trial 2026 (SCOUT 26) at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, from March 20 to March 26, 2026.
Bridging the gap between lab, field: Building the future of CBRN defense at SCOUT 26
By Capt. Emily Seaton | March 30, 2026
Over 100 joint warfighters from across the country had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with and give direct feedback on the latest developments in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense technology...