AG recognizes VDF NCO of the Year - May 2, 2015

Brig. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presents his challenge coin to Sgt. Eric K. Miller May 2, 2015, in Winchester, Va., in recognition of Miller's selection as the Virginia Defense Force Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Earlier this year, Miller was presented with the Virginia Defense Force Commendation Medal for his achievement, and the citation recognized his "initiative, enthusiasm and leadership” as well as his "exemplary devotion to duty” and indicated he "leads by example and well exhibits the actions set forth in the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer.” Miller was one of more than 90 members of the VDF volunteering their time to operate traffic control points at the 88th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is a series of more than thirty events held from April 24 to May 3 in Winchester and Frederick County including band competitions, dances, parades and a 10K Race. Crowds in excess of 250,000 attend the Festival each year.

The VDF is an all-volunteer force authorized by the Code of Virginia and organized under the Virginia Department of Military Affairs reporting to the Adjutant General of Virginia. The members of the VDF volunteer their time for training and are only paid when called to state active duty by an authorization from the Governor of Virginia.