Virginia National Guard celebrates 418th birthday
The Virginia National Guard celebrated its 418th birthday May 14, 2025, with a ceremonial cake cutting at the Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Spc. Brett Shropshire and Lt. Col. Brett Johnson cut the cake flanked by Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Joyce Reed and Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, VNG Director of the Joint Staff. Reed also presented a Governor of Virginia proclamation recognizing the VNG’s birthday to Hubbard.
The VNG traces the heritage and traditions of citizen service to the founding of Jamestown when Capt. John Smith organized the colonists for defense. Since the colony’s founding May 14, 1607, there has not been a day without a military presence in Virginia to defend freedom at home and overseas.
“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Reed said. “You continue to keep the door open and to make the sacrifice for all the right reasons, and you set a standard for all of us continue to follow. I am proud to be part of this celebration.” Hubbard commended the dedicated service of those Soldiers and Airmen attending the cake cutting.
The Virginia National Guard celebrates its 418th birthday May 14, 2025, with a ceremonial cake cutting at the Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia.