Governor recognizes 529th CSSB Soldiers at Freedom Salute - July 12, 2015

Governor Terry McAuliffe presents the Governor's National Service Medal to Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard's Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group July 12, 2015, in Virginia Beach, Va. The presentations were part of a Freedom Salute honoring the unit’s federal active duty service in Kuwait and Iraq from July 2014 to April 2015. During the deployment the 529th planned and coordinated combat sustainment support for U.S. and coalition forces in Kuwait and the surrounding region to include Afghanistan and Iraq. Leaders also uncased the battalion colors and Headquarters Company guidon to officially recognize their return to duty in Virginia.

Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran, Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Adam Thiel, State Senator John Cosgrove, Brig. Gen. Blake C. Ortner, Deputy Commander of the 29th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer, Assistant Adjutant General - Army, all joined McAuliffe in thanking Soldiers for the service and recognizing families, employers and communities for their support of the 529th’s mission.

McAuliffe also presented the Virginia Army National Guard Commendation Medal to Melanie Ellyson for her work as the 529th’s Family Readiness Group leader during the deployment.

The Clifton Forge-based 29th Division Band provided ceremonial music for the event.

The Virginia Governor's National Service Medal was created in 2005 by then-Governor Mark R. Warner to recognize the service of the men and women of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard called to active federal service since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The award was first presented Nov. 11, 2005, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.