VDF keeps traffic moving at Apple Blossom Festival - May 1, 2015

Members of the Virginia Defense Force operate traffic control points and provide mission command support May 1, 2015, at the 88th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Va. Nearly 90 members of the all-volunteer VDF from units across the state augmented local law enforcement to help ensure traffic flow for the one mile kids race and Firefighters’ Parade, and they will operate TCPs on May 2 as well. The VDF also took advantage of the mission to train on multiple communication systems and rehearse procedures they would use if they were called to state active duty to augment the Virginia National Guard.

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.