Va. National Guard wraps up firefighting support

Approximately 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen wrapped up ground support to firefighting efforts Nov. 17, 2023, in Madison County, Virginia, after assisting the Virginia Department of Forestry with mop  up operations at the Quaker Run Fire. VNG aviation crews who previously supported the fire in Madison County ended their aerial fire suppression support Nov. 11 after assisting in Patrick County.

“What a fantastic  opportunity it is for all of you to stand in a formation with people from Army and Air Guard units from across the state as well as the Virginia Defense Force and our partners in the Virginia Department of Military Affairs,” said Col. Paul C. Gravely, the Virginia Army National Guard chief of staff.

“It was a great learning opportunity, but it also showed the capabilities of the Virginia National Guard and how we help our fellow Virginians when they need our assistance. I am proud of you, and our senior leaders are proud of you. You completed rigorous training, went out and did what you were asked to do and came back safely. I can’t say enough about what an awesome job you did.”

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A Virginia National Guard Soldier assists the Virginia Department of Forestry with mop-up operations Nov. 16, 2023, at the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County, Virginia.