West Virginia public affairs Soldiers train NATO troops in Kosovo
January 13, 2025 — West Virginia Army National Guard’s 153rd Public Affairs Detachment, currently deployed in support of Kosovo Force Regional Command East, conducted a Unit Public Affairs Representative training program for more than 30 soldiers from four countries on Dec. 23, 2024... MORE

A man in camo uniform address a group of multinational soldiers in an auditorium from a stage, with a slide show presentation behind him.

The Guard in 2024: Deployments, hurricanes, wildfires and new leadership
January 6, 2025 — National Guard members took part in thousands of missions during a year that saw continued overseas deployments, domestic response operations, training in large-scale exercises and many other events that kept Guard members busy. Soldiers with the North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia Army National Guard received the Army’s next generation squad weapons, including the XM7 rifle, the XM250 automatic rifle and the XM157 fire control system, for evaluation to potentially replace the M4 carbine, M249 squad automatic weapon and M240 machine gun. ... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Isaac Bradshaw, a combat medic with C Company, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, North Carolina Army National Guard, wraps his arms around an older couple and uses his body to block them from debris and strong winds produced by the rotor wash of a landing CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Burnsville, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2024. The Chinook crew responded in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, bringing generators, fuel, and other supplies to the remote area that was isolated when floodwaters washed away the main road in and out of the area.

W.Va. Guard Prepares Response to Winter Storm Blair
January 5, 2025 — West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties and directed the West Virginia National Guard to mobilize personnel to assist local communities and citizens in response to the anticipated impacts of Winter Storm Blair... MORE

A Soldier checks the weather report on Jan. 5, 2025.

Healthy Eating in 2025
January 3, 2025 — To help service members achieve holistic fitness, the West Virginia National Guard’s Dietitian and Nutritionist Shari Wright Pettit is available full-time for guidance, coaching, planning and support for leaders and members. She shares the following for those of us resolved to up our health in 2025! ... MORE

WVNG Dietitian Shari Wright Pettit stands an oven, smiling at the camera and wearing a WV Army National Guard apron.

W.Va. Guard Highlights 2024 Accomplishments
December 27, 2024 — The West Virginia National Guard closed out 2024 with numerous significant accomplishments, including homeland and emergency response missions, deployments around the globe, and sustained activation supporting West Virginia agencies at the direction of Gov. Jim Justice... MORE

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Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joshua A. Searls: A Legacy of Dedication and Service
December 15, 2024 — Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joshua A. Searls, a native of Southside, West Virginia, has dedicated 27 years to the West Virginia Army National Guard. Currently assigned to the 197th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), Searls oversees the maintenance program, ensuring equipment critical to training future engineers remains operational. ... MORE

West Virginia Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy – North Class 63 Graduates 90 Cadets
December 14, 2024 — The West Virginia National Guard’s Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy – North program, located in Kingwood, West Virginia, graduated 90 cadets as a part of Class 63 today at Camp Dawson, West Virginia... MORE

a large group of teenagers in royal blue graduation gowns and hats move their hat tassels to symbolize graduating.

167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight December 2024
December 13, 2024 — U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steve Spitzer is a vehicle mechanic for the 167th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight for December 2024... MORE

a man in uniform stands under a vehicle on a lift in a garage

West Virginia Army National Guard Conducts Change of Responsibility
December 11, 2024 — The West Virginia Army National Guard conducted a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the West Virginia National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters, in Charleston, West Virginia, on December 11, 2024... MORE

men in military dress uniform passing military flag in front of a huge American Flag

Staff Sgt. Martin Joel Patricio: A Reliable Force in Logistics and Leadership
December 8, 2024 — This week’s spotlight is Staff Sgt. Martin Joel Patricio, who has served in the West Virginia National Guard for 11 years, demonstrating dedication and adaptability throughout his career. Originally from Hollywood, Florida, Patricio now calls Morgantown, West Virginia, his home... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Keisha Lynn George: A Legacy of Service and Dedication to the WVNG
December 1, 2024 — This week's Spotlight Sgt. 1st Class Keisha Lynn George has proudly served the West Virginia Army National Guard for more than 19 years. She resides in her hometown of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and holds the position of 92G Culinary Management NCO at the Camp Dawson Training Center, where she manages operations for range control and other assigned tasks during duty weekends and annual training... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Keisha Lynn George has proudly served the West Virginia Army National Guard for more than 19 years. She resides in her hometown of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and holds the position of 92G Culinary Management NCO at the Camp Dawson Training Center, where she manages operations for range control and other assigned tasks during duty weekends and annual training.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Mackey: Dedication and Expertise in Service to the WVNG
November 24, 2024 — This week’s Spotlight is Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Mackey, a 15-year veteran of the West Virginia Army National Guard, who brings an impressive background in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection to his role. From Clarksburg, West Virginia, he currently resides in Saint Albans and serves as a 255A Port Security Assessment Team Lead for the United States Coast Guard conducting security and vulnerability assessments across the country... MORE

This week’s Spotlight is Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Mackey, a 15-year veteran of the West Virginia Army National Guard, who brings an impressive background in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection to his role.

W.Va. Guard Holds Inaugural Key Leader Engagement with SPP Partner Gabon
November 20, 2024 — An Inaugural Key Leader Engagement in Libreville, Gabon, from November 17-22, 2024, signifies the establishment of an official partnership between West Virginia and Gabon as part of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program... MORE

W.Va. Guard and State of West Virginia Delegation Visits U.S Embassy in Libreville, Gabon
November 18, 2024 — A leadership delegation from the West Virginia National Guard and the State of West Virginia spent the day meeting with officials at the United States Embassy in the capital city of Libreville, Gabon, on November 18, 2024, as part of a five-day trip to the Gabonese Republic marking the official launch of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program relationship between West Virginia and the African nation... MORE

man and woman holding a plaque and smiling in front of a USA flag

West Virginia education partnership supports military children, families
November 18, 2024 — The West Virginia National Guard reconfirmed the commitment to military children and families on Nov. 12, 2024, when Brig. Gen. Michaelle Munger, special assistant to the adjutant general, joined partners in signing the West Virginia Department of Education 2024 Common Ground Compact during a ceremony at the state’s Culture Center in Charleston... MORE

Capt. Autumn Dawn Stake: Commitment, Community, and Leadership in the WVNG
November 17, 2024 — Capt. Autumn Dawn Stake, from Glenville, West Virginia, has dedicated 15 years of service to the West Virginia National Guard. Currently residing in Arthurdale, West Virginia, she holds the role of Senior Instructor for the 197th Regiment Officer Candidate School, where she ensures that Officer Candidates within Region B are trained, mentored, and ready to commission into their respective states... MORE

Capt. Autumn Dawn Stake, from Glenville, West Virginia, has dedicated 15 years of service to the West Virginia National Guard. Currently residing in Arthurdale, West Virginia, she holds the role of Senior Instructor for the 197th Regiment Officer Candidate School, where she ensures that officer candidates within Region B are trained, mentored, and ready to commission into their respective states.

Army Interagency Training and Education Center’s new cybersecurity initiative expands mission with Eagle Resolve Exercise 2025
November 8, 2024 — AITEC announced a new mission for their CPT-ME - a role in planning Eagle Resolve 2025 alongside host nation Qatar. Eagle Resolve is a U.S. Central Command Combined Joint All-Domain exercise that rotates between CENTCOM nations, changing focus every few years to a specific area of defense. West Virginia’s State Partnership Program partner Qatar is slated for 2025-2026, with the exercise focusing on cybersecurity... MORE

Mother-Daughter Duo Enlist Together at 167th Airlift Wing
November 8, 2024 — Blair Hesen and her mother, Marybeth Cole displayed a shared mutual motivation and commitment by enlisting together at the 167th Airlift Wing... MORE

A group of trainees marches in formation

167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight November 2024
November 8, 2024 — Airman 1st Class Ben Strickland is an avionics specialist for the 167th Maintenance Squadron and he is the 167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight for November 2024... MORE

a man sits in the pilot seat of an aircraft

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Ryan Heath: Dedicated Service and Mentorship in the WVNG
November 3, 2024 — Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Ryan Heath has devoted nearly 18 years to the West Virginia Army National Guard, building a career centered on logistics and accountability. Originally from Crum, West Virginia, Heath now resides in Rush, Kentucky, and serves as the property book officer for the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In this role, he ensures accountability for all battalion property, manages records, and oversees logistics procedures, while also serving as the battalion safety officer, fuel control officer, corrosive monitor, and key custodian... MORE

Graphic for spotlight Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Ryan Heath has devoted nearly 18 years to the West Virginia Army National Guard, building a career centered on logistics and accountability.

Red Ribbon Week Kicks Off with Substance Abuse Prevention Efforts
October 31, 2024 — Red Ribbon Week was observed with a new event this year aimed at promoting substance abuse prevention. Samuel Reeder, the West Virginia Army National Guard Substance Abuse Prevention coordinator, partnered with the West Virginia Air National Guard 130th Airlift Wing Fire and Rescue Dept. to host a Jaws of Life demonstration at Joint Forces Headquarters on Oct. 28, 2024, followed by a resource fair and a movie with popcorn in the Drill Hall... MORE

West Virginia Air National Guard 130th Airlift Wing Fire and Rescue Dept. to host a Jaws of Life demonstration at Joint Forces Headquarters on Oct. 28, 2024

1st Lt. Benjamin Augustus Flohr: A Legacy of Leadership and Service
October 27, 2024 — Today's spotlight is 1st Lt. Benjamin Augustus Flohr, a Grafton, West Virginia native, who has served in the West Virginia Army National Guard for four years. As a scout platoon leader in C -Troop, 1st Battalion, 150th Cavalry Regiment, Flohr is responsible for the training, coordination, organization, and overall effectiveness of 1st Platoon... MORE

spotlight of 1st Lt. Benjamin Augustus Flohr

Master Sgt. Kristen Windle: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication
October 27, 2024 — Today's spotlight Master Sgt. Kristen Windle has served the West Virginia Air National Guard since Feb. 6, 2011. Coming from Inwood, West Virginia, Windle now resides in Kearneysville and serves as operations group administer in the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia... MORE

Spotlight on Sgt. 1st Class Anthony R.Smith: A Career Built on Service and Resiliency
October 13, 2024 — Sgt. 1st Class Anthony R. Smith has dedicated 21 years to serving in the military. Originally from Utica, Ohio and now residing in Dublin, Virginia, Smith is a leader and finance professional in the West Virginia Army National Guard... MORE

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167th concludes overseas deployment
October 11, 2024 — Airmen with the 167th Airlift Wing returned home to West Virginia on Sept. 26, ending a three-month deployment overseas... MORE

a group of airmen carrying bags walk across a flight line

167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight October 2024
October 11, 2024 — Airman 1st Class Tyler Barney is a C-17 Globemaster aircraft loadmaster for the 167th Airlift Squadron and he is the 167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight for October 2024... MORE

a man in unform stands next to a control panel in the cargo area of an aircraft

Video, 2024 Gold Star Weekend Retreat
October 10, 2024 — Families, friends and Guard Members honor and remember service members who died in the course of military service, with activities and ceremonies held at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia, on Sept. 27-29, 2024. ... MORE

Title thumbnail that says 2024 Gold Star Families Weekend

Gold Star Families keep names alive during annual West Virginia weekend retreat
October 10, 2024 — To aid in the mission of “Honor and Remember,” the West Virginia National Guard hosts a Gold Star Families Retreat at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia, the last weekend in September every year. The event is a chance to honor the service and sacrifice of both the family members and their loved ones who died in the course of military service... MORE

West Virginia Air National Guard prepares to deploy South for Severe Weather Response Mission
October 9, 2024 — CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Members of the130th Airlift Wing’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team gathered together to receive parting words from West Virginia National Guard Leadership on Oct. 9, 2024, as they prepared to deploy to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton... MORE

Brigadier General David Cochran, Commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard and Assistant Adjutant General for Air, encourages members of FSRT ahead of their departure for the impending Severe Weather Response mission in Florida. Fatality Search and Rescue Teams (FSRT) are multi-capable airmen trained and certified to respond to a wide range of disasters and hazards, recover the remains of the deceased, and reunite the remains of those lost with their loved ones.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by,2d Lt DeJuan Haley)

Gov. Justice, National Guard deploy search and recovery team, engineers to Florida for Hurricane Milton response
October 8, 2024 — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has activated approximately 40 members of the West Virginia National Guard to support response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Milton, which is projected to make landfall in Florida on October 9, 2024... MORE

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W.Va. Guard Holds Inaugural Key Leader Engagement with SPP Partner Gabon

Dr. Christopher Martin, West Virginia University Global Health Program, West Virginia Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young, Department of Health and Human Resources, West Virginia Cabinet Secretary Sec. Cynthia Persily, Department of Human Services, and Mr. Mike Graney, Executive Director, West Virginia Department of Economic Development pose for a group photo outside the United States Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, on November 18, 2024. The U.S. Embassy provided in-depth country briefings for a delegation of West Virginia National Guard and West Virginia State Government representatives during an Inaugural Key Leader Engagement trip to Gabon signifying the establishment of an official partnership between West Virginia and the Gabonese Republic as part of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Edwin L. Wriston)

PHOTO BY: Edwin L. Wriston

VIRIN: 241118-Z-FC129-1019.JPG

FULL SIZE: 1.06 MB

Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 6_2

LENS

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S

APERTURE

SHUTTERSPEED

1/5000

ISO

1800

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

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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