West Virginia Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy – North Class 2-2025 Graduates 65 Cadets
December 17, 2025 — The West Virginia National Guard’s Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy – North program graduated 65 cadets as a part of Class 65/2-2025 on Dec. 12, 2025 at Camp Dawson, West Virginia... MORE

student in blue graduation robe shakes the hand of a older man in suit indoors, while a blond woman in suit and glasses and man in army military dress uniform stand at their side. all look at the camera.

Spc. Sarah Beckstrom laid to rest at W.Va. National Cemetery
December 12, 2025 — U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard, was laid to rest with full military honors during a ceremony and interment on Dec. 9, 2025 at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia... MORE

man in military uniform passing folded flag to crying mother.

Update on National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe
December 12, 2025 — Update on National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe from MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Andrew Wolfe’s parents, Melody and Jason Wolfe... MORE

man with moustache standing in front of a grey airplane, close-up photo from mid-chest. brown hair. wearing military camo uniform.

W.Va. National Guard confirms identity of Guardsmen wounded in D.C. shooting
November 27, 2025 — The West Virginia National Guard, under the command of West Virginia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, announces the names of the two Guardsmen shot while serving on the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission... MORE

W.Va. Adjutant General message following D.C. shooting
November 26, 2025 — West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward gives remarks following today's shooting of WVNG Guardsmen in D.C... MORE

“Today’s events have brought an extremely somber and serious tone to this Thanksgiving. Two of our West Virginia National Guardsmen were shot in our nation’s capital while performing their duties ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of the District of Columbia.

This brutal attack was senseless and entirely unprovoked. In times like these, my thoughts not only linger on those brave Guardsmen but also their families, friends, and their fellow service members. I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the first responders, doctors, and nurses who cared for our members.

I am thankful for the swift action taken by the courageous fellow West Virginia National Guardsmen who quickly engaged and neutralized the assailant, saving lives. Further, we are overwhelmed at the outpouring of prayers from civilian and military leaders, as well as individuals throughout West Virginia and the nation.

I ask that you continue to pray and to hold your loved ones close this Thanksgiving. As Soldiers and Airmen, we defend this nation and serve our state with pride, professionalism, and patriotism. May God bless our One Guard Family, the great state of West Virginia, and the United States of America.”

-Maj. Gen. Jim Seward

W.Va. Guard extends support to President Trump’s initiative to make D.C. Safe and Beautiful
November 18, 2025 — The West Virginia National Guard, under the command of West Virginia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, is extending support to President Donald Trump’s DC Safe and Beautiful mission through Dec. 31, 2025... MORE

Soldiers walk down the street surrounded by fall trees. Both are wearing sunglasses with hand tucked behind their chest protective gear.

Governor Patrick Morrisey and West Virginia Army National Guard Preserves the 150th Cavalry
September 3, 2025 — When the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment appeared on the chopping block as part of the U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact (TIC) initiative in early 2025, it not only struck at the heart of West Virginia’s military heritage but also the structure and stability of the organization... MORE

West Virginia National Guard Welcomes New Inspector General
August 25, 2025 — Maj. Gen. James Seward, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, administered the oath of responsibility to Col. Steven Niewiarowski as the new WVNG State Inspector General during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters on August 19, 2025... MORE

Maj. Gen. James Seward, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, administered the oath of responsibility to Col. Steven Niewiarowski as the new WVNG State Inspector General during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters on August 19, 2025.

Mountaineer Challenge Academy – North Class 2-2025 graduation ceremony

Mountaineer Challenge Academy – North Class 2-2025 graduation ceremony was held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, December 12, 2025. Sixty-five cadets graduated from the 65th class since 1993 to complete 22-week residential MCA program. During their time in the program, the class completed more than 3,230 hours of on 44 different community development projects, contributing more than $112,000 of volunteer efforts. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Edwin L. Wriston)

PHOTO BY: Edwin L. Wriston

VIRIN: 251212-Z-FC129-1377.JPG

FULL SIZE: 3.37 MB

Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 6_2

LENS

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

APERTURE

SHUTTERSPEED

1/160

ISO

400

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