RICHMOND, Va. – More than 420 Virginia National Guard personnel responded to two winter weather events within a week, staging and answering requests for assistance from regional emergency managers from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1 at locations across the commonwealth.
Approximately 300 VNG Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force staged in every region of the state after Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency ahead of a forecast calling for widespread snow and ice. The VNG responded with mission response teams, command-and-control staff, administrative and logistics personnel, aviation assets and other support elements. Helicopter crews were staged and ready by Jan. 24, 2026, at key locations across Virginia.
Nearly a week later, under the same emergency declaration, a second weather system threatened to bring heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding, primarily in southeastern Virginia. Approximately 125 VNG personnel responded, staging primarily in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore, with response teams, aviation capabilities, and support elements.
During the two winter weather events, VNG crews conducted missions in support of local and regional responders, including a commodity distribution mission in Marion during the first storm. There, Guard members transported ready-to-eat meals and cases of drinking water.
In central Virginia, two Airmen assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 203rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers supported a Virginia Department of Transportation mission to clear rural roadways of snow and ice left behind by the first storm.
“I’m proud of the way our Soldiers and Airmen responded to these complex, wide-ranging weather events,” said Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, the VNG director of the joint staff. “Their ability to respond quickly and safely, then train for, prepare for and execute a variety of missions is a tremendous asset to statewide storm response efforts. They should be proud of a job well done, and so should their families and employers who make their support possible.”
During the 203rd RED HORSE route-clearing mission, the team used heavy engineering equipment to remove compacted snow and ice from roadways, clearing approximately 28 miles of travel lanes, primarily in Goochland County.
Virginia Defense Force personnel also played a vital role, ensuring response teams had the necessary equipment and supplies and conducting in-processing for activated personnel through the Emergency Response Management System.
“Every part of the organization plays a role in conducting a safe, efficient and effective response during an emergency,” Hubbard said. “In addition to our Soldiers and Airmen, there are VDF and civilian support personnel whose skill, knowledge and experience enhance our capabilities and readiness.”
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