Posted: 6:21 PM Dec 7, 2012

December 7, 2012

For the first time since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, all Virginia Army Guard and Air Guard units are home for the holidays.

As a result, Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed December "Virginia National Guard Appreciation and Recognition Month."

"Time and time again the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force have selflessly answered the call of service," said McDonnell. "As Commander in Chief of the Virginia National Guard, I have called on the Virginia Guard twice in 2012 for state active duty to respond to severe weather in the Commonwealth. Whether defending our freedoms abroad or securing our communities during times of natural disasters at home these courageous individuals have demonstrated what it means to serve with honor. This holiday season, as we give thanks for our freedoms and families, we should remember these patriots."

Since September 11, 2001, the Virginia National Guard has successfully mobilized more than 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. Virginia has lost 10 Virginia National Guard Soldiers to hostile enemy activity during that time.

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