Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs

Today we celebrate freedom and justice, by commemorating Black liberation, resilience, and culture in the United States. In 1865, slavery officially ended in the U.S. when thousands of enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas were freed by Union troops. We will pause, reflect, and honor the history of what was endured and what was overcome.

130 Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 229th Military Police Company from Hanover, 276th Engineer Battalion, and 329th Regional Support Group are back on U.S. soil following their 12-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. We are so glad they have returned home safely, and we thank the Soldiers and their families for their service during this extended deployment. Welcome Home!

Veterans over the age of 60 are targeted by scammers every day. If you or a Veteran you know has been hit by fraud, call the VSAFE Fraud Hotline at 833-38V-SAFE (8-7233). Click the link below to access information and tips for protecting yourself from scammers.

Imposters - VSAFE Protect yourself from scammers who pretend to be organizations, government officials, charities, military personnel, or someone you trust to get your personal information.

On this day in 1775, the United States Army was founded. Today, 251 years later, the Army’s commitment to innovation and modernization is steadfast and American soldiers continue to fulfill their enduring mission of defending our great nation.

Today, on Women Veterans Day, we recognize all the women who have served our country in uniform. Virginia has the highest concentration of women veterans in the U.S., and we are committed to ensuring they have access to the benefits and support they need. Special shoutout to our Deputy Secretary, retired Virginia Army National Guard Col. Lesley Kipling who served for 26 years deploying to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Thank you all for your service!

It was a pleasure attending the Joint Leadership Council’s (JLC) meeting today. This coalition of Veterans Service Organizations is leading the way on bringing ideas that will further support the Veterans of the Commonwealth to the forefront. The Department of Veterans Services recognized outgoing Chairman Bill Aramony for his leadership and dedication, and I joined in thanking him for his service. Virginia Veterans, we hear you and we are committed to developing real solutions to best serve you.

Proud to recognize the members of the 2-245th Aviation Regiment as they prepared to deploy. Thank you to the Guardsmen and their families for their sacrifice to support our nation.

Departure ceremony marks start of VNG fixed wing unit’s mobilization Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Chesterfield-based Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 2-245th Aviation Regiment, conducted a departure ceremony and officially began their federal active

It was a pleasure to meet with young leaders with the Aspen Institute Germany. We had an insightful conversation about the strength of Virginia's defense industry, serving Virginia's veterans, and the rich history of the Virginia National Guard.

Thank you, Governor Spanberger, for honoring all those who died while serving our country.

For seventy years, on this hillside overlooking the James River, Virginians have gathered on Memorial Day to remember our neighbors who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Every single year, we have come back here, together, to say in one unified voice: we have not forgotten you.