National Guard general warns of dwindling resources (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
National Guard general warns of dwindling resources (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/jan/19...
Gov. Bob McDonnell spoke during Wednesday's state Capitol visit by members of the Virginia's National Guard units.
By: Wesley P. Hester | Richmond Times Dispatch
Published: January 19, 2012
Scattered camouflage stood out against the usual sea of dark business suits at the state Capitol on Wednesday as members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force visited the General Assembly.
Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long. Jr., the adjutant general of Virginia, spoke to legislators about the Virginia National Guard's accomplishments in 2011 and needs going forward.
Long expressed gratitude for the state's support, but he also voiced concern for the future of the Guard due to waning resources from the federal government, in part because of the drawdown of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We're at a crossroads today, getting ready to slip back into a strategic reserve — minimal resources, minimal funding, minimal training, minimal expectations," he said. "If we slip back to where we were in the'80s … we will not be able to respond to meet the expectations of the commonwealth or the nation the way that we do today."
The Virginia Department of Military Affairs has backed two bills this year, one to provide in-state tuition for members of the Virginia National Guard regardless of how long they have lived in the state and another to offer preferential hiring of Virginia National Guard members for state employment.
Gov. Bob McDonnell supports both bills.
"I think that's absolutely the right thing to do, regardless of how long they've lived in Virginia or any other circumstance," said McDonnell, referring to the in-state tuition bill.
He added that Virginia National Guard members have "worn their uniform to take care of Virginia. We want to be able to take care of them."
Commenting on the bill that would offer preferential hiring for Virginia National Guard members seeking state employment, McDonnell said: "I think we owe it to them for their service." He added that the Guard members, particularly those who have been in combat zones, make good employees and mentors.
McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, attended Wednesday evening's reception at the Library of Virginia in downtown Richmond. The event brought together, among others, state legislators, officials from the Virginia National Guard and about 20 soldiers and airmen who have been deployed in the past few years.
National Guard general warns of dwindling resources (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
National Guard general warns of dwindling resources (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/jan/19...
Gov. Bob McDonnell spoke during Wednesday's state Capitol visit by members of the Virginia's National Guard units.
By: Wesley P. Hester | Richmond Times Dispatch
Published: January 19, 2012
Scattered camouflage stood out against the usual sea of dark business suits at the state Capitol on Wednesday as members of the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force visited the General Assembly.
Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long. Jr., the adjutant general of Virginia, spoke to legislators about the Virginia National Guard's accomplishments in 2011 and needs going forward.
Long expressed gratitude for the state's support, but he also voiced concern for the future of the Guard due to waning resources from the federal government, in part because of the drawdown of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We're at a crossroads today, getting ready to slip back into a strategic reserve — minimal resources, minimal funding, minimal training, minimal expectations," he said. "If we slip back to where we were in the'80s … we will not be able to respond to meet the expectations of the commonwealth or the nation the way that we do today."
The Virginia Department of Military Affairs has backed two bills this year, one to provide in-state tuition for members of the Virginia National Guard regardless of how long they have lived in the state and another to offer preferential hiring of Virginia National Guard members for state employment.
Gov. Bob McDonnell supports both bills.
"I think that's absolutely the right thing to do, regardless of how long they've lived in Virginia or any other circumstance," said McDonnell, referring to the in-state tuition bill.
He added that Virginia National Guard members have "worn their uniform to take care of Virginia. We want to be able to take care of them."
Commenting on the bill that would offer preferential hiring for Virginia National Guard members seeking state employment, McDonnell said: "I think we owe it to them for their service." He added that the Guard members, particularly those who have been in combat zones, make good employees and mentors.
McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, attended Wednesday evening's reception at the Library of Virginia in downtown Richmond. The event brought together, among others, state legislators, officials from the Virginia National Guard and about 20 soldiers and airmen who have been deployed in the past few years.