The story of Virginia's citizen soldier is as old as the Commonwealth itself.  It is the story of men and women whose tradition of dedicated service, involving at times even the ultimate sacrifice,
helped secure the freedoms that all Americans enjoy today.
Beginning in 1607 when English colonists established their nations first permanent settlement,
James Town, Captain John Smith created several militia companies which incorporated all of the men in the colony into a force for the common defense of the colony.
In the 1750's French soldiers began moving into the Ohio Valley, Governor Robert Dinwiddie anticipated military action would be required and formed the "Virginia Regiment", a full-time
Military presence to garrison small forts in the disputed territories.
During the War for Independence, Virginia contributed a large number of troops to the
Continental Army.
The War of 1812 saw the mobilization of most of Virginia's militia commands.
Virginia joined the Confederacy in the spring of 1861.  Virginians composed the largest portion of
the army which quickly gathered to defend the new nation's capital in Richmond.
After the Civil War the Commonwealth re-formed and reintroduced its uniformed militia in 1871.
1916 found Virginia guardsmen alone the Mexican Border.  Later in 1917 the 116th Infantry
Regiment was formed.  In 1918 it was off to France where Virginians fought until spring of 1919.
October 1942, the 29th Division deployed to England.  While there the division created a battalion of  "Rangers" who were trained by the elite British Commandos.  The 29th Division was the only National Guard Division to take part in the D-Day operation.  Through Normandy, into France and by wars end were deep inside Germany.
Several Virginia Guard units fought in the Korean Conflict.
The Virginia Guard was again called upon to quell anti-war demonstrations at the nations capitol during Vietnam.
Virginians proudly marched again during Operation Desert Storm in Southwest Asia.
The last Virginia Guard activation occurred in 1998 with an all volunteer force being sent to Bosnia for an eight month peace keeping mission.
This is what sets the Guardsman apart both in the civilian world and the regular military.  He has a special motivation to serve both worlds using, to the best of his ability, the talents and training
he has perfected.  America is a better nation for such people and grow stronger with each
generation because of their faithful service.