Freedom Salute honors 1710th Trans. Co. service in Afghanistan - June 8, 2014

Approximately 150 Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Emporia-based 1710th Transportation Company gather June 8, 2014, at the Greensville County High School gymnasium in Emporia to conduct a Freedom Salute in honor of their service in Afghanistan. The Soldiers returned to Virginia Feb. 22, 2014, after conducting transportation support operations in Afghanistan since June 2013. They began serving on federal active duty April 1, 2013.

Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran presented Soldiers with the Governor's National Service Medal, and 75th District Delegate Roslyn Tyler read a Joint General Assembly Resolution commending the 1710th for their duty performance in Afghanistan. Delegate Richard Anderson of the 51st District and co-chair of the Virginia General Assembly Military Caucus also thanked the Soldiers and families for their service. Also attending the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Adam Thiel and Emporia Mayor Mary Person.

Beverly Donati, director of the Division of Registered Apprenticeship, handed out 74 apprenticeship certificates to Soldiers of the 1710th that help translate their military experience into skills that are easily recognizable by civilian employers.

The unit leadership also recognized members of the Family Readiness Group as well as local organizations and employers for their support during the deployment.

Soldiers from the Clifton Forge-based 29th Division Band provided music for the event.

Read more: vaguard.dodlive.mil/2014/06/05/5458/