Post 116, 29th Division Association

10/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DigcuwkoG/

10/19/2026

Got to visit with Van Simmons at the Verona Community Food Pantry in Verona this morning. Another 29er doing good work for his community, Van and his wife have been volunteering here for 13 years. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FMJfSi7Rv/

Providing Food to Those In Need

10/16/2026

Now here's an idea...

Win a truck. Change our future. Ford Maverick provided by Pohanka Commercial.Enter for a chance to win a 2026 Ford Maverick or cash value.Enter while standing…

10/10/2026

Good morning…everyone wearing Red today?

10/01/2026

James C. Hensley
July 6, 1950 - September 29, 2026

James C. Hensley

James Clinton Hensley, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, living out his last weeks at home with his wife and family. He was born on July 6, 1950, in Dunlap, Virginia to the late Willie Martin and Barbara Allen Hinkle Hensley. James proudly devoted much of his life to service, leadership, and mentorship. He served his country in the United States Army for twenty-three years, attaining the rank of E-7 and serving as a First Sergeant. During his military career, he was a Pathfinder and completed multiple deployments to Germany, experiences that became a meaningful chapter not only in his own life, but in the lives of his family, who accompanied him during his time overseas. Following his retirement from the Army, James began another meaningful chapter of service at Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, where he served as an ROTC instructor for twenty-two years. Throughout the Fishburne community and beyond, James was known simply and affectionately as “Top,” a name that became as much a part of him as the lasting relationships he formed throughout the years. James took tremendous pride in the young men who passed through Fishburne during his years there. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, as he also dedicated his time and expertise to working with the school’s color guard and r***e team. Retirement did little to lessen his devotion to the school or its cadets. James continued attending Fishburne events and remained a familiar and beloved member of the school community. Away from his military and teaching careers, James enjoyed spending time on the golf course as well as visiting friends and family in the community. Whether serving his country, guiding a young cadet, supporting the school he loved, or enjoying a round of golf, he approached life with the same sense of commitment and camaraderie that defined him. He is survived by his wife, Shyrl Dianne Paitsel Hensley, whom he married in 1972 and together they shared more than fifty years of marriage; his son, Scott Hensley; and his grandchild, Shyanne Hensley; his sisters, Bobbie Joyce Lovejoy, Shirley Crawford and her husband, Ronnie, and Sally Dean;He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jackie, Robert, and Sonny Hensley. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. All are warmly welcome to attend and pay their respects to James. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton with Pastor Stephen Henderson officiating. Henry Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

09/26/2026

Annual Muster is just around the corner. Don't be the last to register. You can do so through the website at https://thecitizensoldier.org/muster/. We'd love to see you there.

Registration for the 58th Muster is NOW OPEN! The following events are planned for the Muster weekend: Friday 6 NOV: 29th Division Museum Open 1000-1700 (29th Division Museum address: 566 Lee Highway, Verona, VA 24572 / Ph: 540-248-0116) Saturday 7 NOV, 1000-1500: Museum Open. There is no charge for...

09/25/2026

For those wishing to attend services for SGT Hafner.

09/25/2026

READ 💬: The U.S. Army deployed the Virginia and Kentucky National Guard's 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team (MBCT) to the Middle East under U.S. Central Command to support Operation Inherent Resolve. Reorganized from a traditional infantry unit, the mobilized force of roughly 1,200 soldiers represents the first National Guard formation fielded under the Army's new Mobile Brigade Combat Team force design. The deployment incorporates organic uncrewed aerial systems, dedicated electronic warfare platoons, counter-drone networks, and mobile command-and-control tools to protect dispersed ground forces and accelerate battlefield targeting across high-threat sectors.

Geopolitically, deploying an agile, sensor-rich mobile brigade to the Middle East addresses persistent threats from regional non-state actors using low-cost strike drones and asymmetric tactics. As drone attacks against forward bases strain traditional air defense inventories, fielding ground units with integrated electronic warfare and counter-UAS systems hardens the defensive perimeter around U.S. and allied installations. Establishing an organic electronic and aerial surveillance umbrella ensures forward-deployed forces maintain operational resilience and strategic deterrence across volatile Middle Eastern transit corridors.

From a defense procurement perspective, the MBCT structure operationalizes the Army's Transforming in Contact initiative by pairing commercial off-the-shelf systems with standardized military hardware. The brigade features a dedicated Multi-Function Reconnaissance Company combining traditional scouts with specialized electronic warfare and drone platoons. Operating diverse aerial platforms—including the Teal Black Widow, Anduril Ghost X, and Performance Drone Works C100—allows procurement authorities to field lightweight, sensor-rich capabilities at a fraction of the cost of legacy platforms, streamlining supply chains and accelerating technological upgrades directly in the field.

Operationally, the mobile brigade concept compresses the sensor-to-shooter cycle for dispersed combat units. Small reconnaissance drones detect hostile positions several kilometers ahead, feeding real-time target coordinates to mortars and artillery while onboard electronic warfare systems detect enemy radio emissions and drone activity. Integrating electronic jamming, organic strike drones, and digital command networks enables brigade commanders to locate, jam, or neutralize incoming threats rapidly, giving maneuver units localized air superiority and tactical flexibility in congested electromagnetic environments.

Deploying the 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team provides an operational test for modern counter-drone and electronic warfare integration, reinforcing ground force protection across the Middle East.

09/23/2026

Our next post meeting will be on 6 Oct 2026 at 6:30/1830 at the 29th Division Museum. Please advise if you'll be coming so we can have enough food. Agenda will include news on dues from the national association, any suggested changes to post meeting agenda, and next years national reunion location. We hope to see you there!

09/23/2026