AG officially recognizes VDF 40th birthday - June 1, 2024

Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presents Brig. Gen. (Va.) Richard Diddams, the Commander of the Virginia Defense Force, with the Governor of Virginia proclamation celebrating the VDF’s 40th birthday June 1, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia. With roots going back to World War I and World War II, the VDF was formally re-established April 18, 1984, and now serves as the all-volunteer reserve to the Virginia National Guard. Joining the presentation were some of the VDF’s longest serving members: Command Sgt. Maj. (Va.) Chris Howlett, Lt. Col. (Va.) Payton Owens, Col. (Va.) Kent Brinkley and Lt. Col. (Va.) Rick Murdock as well as Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, the VNG Director of the Joint Staff. Read the full proclamation on the Governor of Virginia web site at ngpa.us/29827.