Governor and First Lady thank Virginia Guard personnel for their service -- Sept. 11, 2012

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell visit with Virginia National Guard personnel Sept. 11 at Mullins Armory in Sandston. McDonnell made the visit to thank members of the Virginia Guard and Virginia Defense Force for their service since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the last 11 years, the Virginia National Guard has successfully mobilized almost 15,000 Soldiers and Airmen for missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and other locations across the world as well as homeland defense missions in the United States and has transitioned from a strategic reserve to an operational force. The Virginia Guard has also mobilized for state active duty numerous times to support the commonwealth in the wake of wildfires, floods, snowstorms and other severe weather events.