The West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office is the official source of information for the Adjutant General of West Virginia and the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard.

We are the voice of the West Virginia National Guard. The Public Affairs Office would be happy to facilitate interviews (local or global), press conferences, media advisories, and provide open source photos and video. Please contact the West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office to learn how we can help you tell your story.

If you have a story you would like the West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office to help tell (promotion, graduation, etc), please email us at ng.wv.wvarng.mbx.public-affairs@mail.mil

West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office
1703 Coonskin Drive
Charleston, W.Va. 25311
304-561-6689
email: ng.wv.wvarng.mbx.public-affairs@mail.mil

Press/Media Queries

If you are a media member with a request or query, please contact the West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office at 304-561-6762. For after-hours media request, you may contact the West Virginia National Guard on call Public Affairs Officer at 304-389-8184. The West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office observes all federal holidays.

West Virginia National Guard Support to organizations and special events

The West Virginia National Guard is a proud member of communities throughout West Virginia in which our Soldiers and Airmen serve. Through an active community relations program, the West Virginia National Guard demonstrates it is a good neighbor and community partner by providing support in four basic areas: Non-Aviation, Military Aerial, Air Force Fly Overs, and Speaker Requests. (see outline below)

*Note that most support requests require a 90 day notice prior to the event (unless stated specifically) to be reviewed, validated and considered for support. Requests received fewer than 90 days are unlikely to receive support.

The West Virginia National Guard will make every effort to provide support for all events, but event organizers should be aware that support may not be available for military mission requirements may prevent the West Virginia National Guard from supporting specific events and that there are a number of state and federal restrictions on how the West Virginia National Guard can support organizations and events.

Request an Aviation Static Display or Fly-Over Asset:

Please download, complete the form DD2535 and email to: andrew.d.higginbotham.ctr@mail.mil

In order to request a West Virginia Air Guard (C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III) flyover, please visit: http://www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil/PublicSite/Index.cfm?fwa=home.

Request Non-Aviation Asset:

Please download, complete the form DD2536 and email to: andrew.d.higginbotham.ctr@mail.mil

NOTE: If you do not fill out the form in its entirety, your event will not be eligible for support. Please use the attached example and call with any questions you might have. You must fully substantiate how your event and how the West Virginia National Guard would benefit from having a static display.

Request Speakers:

Please download, complete the form DD2536 and email to: andrew.d.higginbotham.ctr@mail.mil           

For more information on speakers see below.

NOTE: A minimum of 30 days prior to event is required. Keep in mind that not all events are eligible for Guard support. In addition, personnel and equipment may not be available on the date of your event.

Flyover Requests

*PLEASE NOTE: These requests require a 90 day lead time in order to facilitate the required approvals**

Anyone can request a West Virginia National Guard Army or Air flyover for their particular event. CURRENTLY, DoD HAS EMBARGOED ALL ARMY and AIR AVIATION ASSETS FOR FLY OVERS. An Exception to Policy (ETP) must be requested through the Dept of Defense to facilitate such requests. Please contact the Public Affairs Office for specifics.

A public affairs flyover is a single straight and level flight by not more than four of the same type military aircraft from a single service over a predetermined point on the ground at a specific time and not involving aerobatics or demonstrations. The event must meet Dept. of Defense and appropriate service public affairs criteria and be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration prior to the aviation support occurring.

In order to request a West Virginia Air National Guard (C-130 Hercules/C-17 Globemaster III) flyover, please visit: http://www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil/PublicSite/Index.cfm?fwa=home.

For a West Virginia Army Guard flyover, you must request the flyover through the DSCA Office via a DD Form 2535 – See below -and send to andrew.d.higginbotham.ctr@army.mil. This will then go to the Department of the Army for consideration.

Once you are approved, you may contact the West Virginia National Guard via Mr. Andy Higginbotham at andrew.d.higginbotham.ctr@army.mil. Please note, while waiting on your eligibility, coordination can be done concurrently. Once your request is approved, you are “eligible” to have the military participate in your event, but it is not guaranteed. It’s based on mission requirements, aircraft availability and weather among other factors.

Here’s an example of how to fill out a DD 2535, download HERE: DD2535 Example (PDF format).

Download a blank form HERE: DD Form 2535, 2016 edition (PDF format).

Requesting a flyover requires FAA approval on the DD2535 as well. Ensure you have enough time to reach out to your local FAA representative to get your event approved by them on the form before you send it to the Public Affairs office. We cannot process a DD2535, for a flyover, without FAA approval. You can find your local FAA office here.

Some things to keep in mind

• You cannot have both a flyover and a static display for an event. It is one or the other.
• For a static display, the helicopter must land before the event starts, when there are not people around the landing area and will need to take off after the event site is cleared of people.
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• Requests are taken on a first come, first serve basis. Regardless of who is requesting support.
• Precedence for supporting holiday events/parades falls to the 5 major patriotic holidays listed on the “Basic Support Guidelines”
• After being vetted, an event may warrant a hold harmless be sent to the requestor. If not filled out, we cannot send support to the event.