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Articles by Holli Nelson
130th Airlift Wing Soars in Remote Ops Exercise, Mastering Agile Combat Skills
Published July 3, 2025 By Lt. Col. Holli Nelson 130th Airlift Wing CHARLESTON, W.Va - Airmen from the 130th Airlift Wing recently completed an exercise focused on demonstrating the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and Mission Ready Airman (MRA) concepts through a C-130J remote operations mission.
130th Airlift Wing Soars in Remote Ops Exercise, Mastering Agile Combat Skills
Published June 30, 2025 By Lt. Col. Holli Nelson 130th Airlift Wing CHARLESTON, W.Va - Airmen from the 130th Airlift Wing recently completed an exercise focused on demonstrating the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and Mission Ready Airman (MRA) concepts through a C-130J remote operations mission.
W.Va. National Guard’s Ridge Healer trains U.K. special operations medical teams for irregular warfare, austere medicine
20 Nestled in a valley in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern West Virginia sits an out-of-use mining operations building that had become the temporary, clandestine medical facility for a team of British special operations forces medics and doctors. As the rain poured down, a small team of soldiers maneuvered their casualty into a room, fashioned a makeshift operating table, and began to administer life-saving procedures, working in tandem like a well-oiled machine.
W.Va. Guard receives over $40 million in Military Construction, Defense appropriations
19 The West Virginia National Guard will receive more than $34 million in military construction funding and $7 million in defense funding secured through the bipartisan appropriations packages passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 9 and 23, 2024. The funding, which was supported by both Sens.
West Virginia Guard, DISA lead US-Romanian cyber team in exercise
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard, under the leadership of the Defense Information Security Agency, hosted more than 180 cyber experts and representatives from federal and state agencies to compete on behalf of the U.S.-Romanian team in the world’s largest international cyber defense exercise. Exercise Locked Shields was run virtually by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia, April 18-20.
West Virginia National Guard, DISA lead U.S.-Romanian cyber defense team for Exercise Locked Shields 2023
The West Virginia National Guard, under the leadership of the Defense Information Security Agency (DISA), served as host for more than 180 technical cyber experts and supporting representatives from various federal and state agencies to compete on behalf of the United States/Romanian team in the world’s largest international cyber defense exercise run virtually by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia, April 18-20, 2023, in Morgantown, West Virginia.
European partners, allies converge in West Virginia for Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise planning
The West Virginia National Guard’s Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare program hosted European Allies and partners from United Kingdom, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, along with U.S. Special Forces elements March 21-25, 2023, at Camp Dawson, West Virginia for a mid-planning conference (MPC) for the upcoming Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise 23-01 (RR IWX).
West Virginia Guard, Qatar Conduct Key Leader SPP Exchange
DOHA, Qatar - West Virginia National Guard and Qatari military leaders met in Doha March 14-16 in a State Partnership Program engagement. Participants included Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, adjutant general; Command Sgt. Maj. Dusty Jones, senior enlisted leader; Col. Brian Abraham, chief of the joint staff; the SPP team and U.S. Embassy-Qatar personnel and high-ranking officials in the Qatar Armed Forces and Qatar National Service Academy.
WV Guard Hosts Irregular Warfare Planning Conference with Special Operations, Allied Partners
The West Virginia National Guard’s Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare program hosted an initial exercise planning conference Dec. 5-7, 2022, at Camp Dawson with participants from nine organizations representing U.S. Army special operations forces, psychological operations, civil affairs, U.S. Marine Corps Advisor Company A, and the Polish Territorial Defense Forces.
W.Va. Guard Hosts Irregular Warfare Planning Conference with Special Operations, Allied Partners
The West Virginia National Guard’s Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare program hosted an initial exercise planning conference Dec. 5-7, 2022, at Camp Dawson with participants from nine organizations representing U.S. Army special operations forces, psychological operations, civil affairs, U.S. Marine Corps Advisor Company A, and the Polish Territorial Defense Forces.
West Virginia Guard to provide aerial firefighting support to Fayette County
The West Virginia National Guard’s C. Co., 1-150th Assault Battalion, located in Wheeling, has launched one UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with hoist capability to Fayette County to assist local authorities in aerial firefighting. The crew of five Soldiers departed at approximately 9 a.m. and will fly to Fayette County to link up with emergency managers and on-scene authorities.
West Virginia Congressional Delegation visits multiple WVNG facilities
Members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation visited the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy - South and 130th Airlift Wing over the last week during separate visits to West Virginia National Guard facilities. Congresswoman Carol Miller toured the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy – South Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, alongside Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Bill Crane.
W.Va. Guard to provide support to Dept. of Corrections to alleviate staffing shortages
At the direction of Governor Jim Justice, more than 50 West Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have volunteered to provide staffing assistance to the West Virginia Department of Corrections, Regional Jail Authority and Division of Juvenile Services beginning August 18, 2022. “The West Virginia National Guard proudly supports our state agency partners during times of need and this request for assistance is no different,” stated Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, the Adjutant General of West Virginia.
W.Va. Guard aviation team performs rescue operations for a dozen Kentuckians during initial response to severe flooding
Fourteen Soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard’s Company C, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC) and Company B, 1-224th Security and Support Aviation Battalion located in Williamstown, West Virginia, flew more than 25 hours July 28, rescuing over a dozen people and three pets from southeastern Kentucky.
W.Va. Guard aviation assets, crews deploying to Kentucky following flooding
At the direction of Governor Jim Justice, the West Virginia National Guard is sending two UH-60M Blackhawks and two UH-72 Lakota aircraft with hoist capability and a fully operational crews comprising 14 Soldiers to support the Kentucky National Guard following flooding from severe rain this week. The request for support will be executed through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact in coordination with Governor Andy Beshear’s office and the Kentucky National Guard.
West Virginia Adjutant General’s statement of passing of Hershel “Woody” Williams
Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Crane, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, issued the following statement on the passing of Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. “The entire West Virginia National Guard is deeply saddened by the loss of Woody and we send our condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
130th Airlift Wing exercises combat power in newest C-130J aircraft
Sixty-three Airmen and two C-130J-30s Super Hercules from the 130th Airlift Wing participated in exercise Agile Rage 2022, June 6-19th at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, the first Air National Guard Readiness Exercise Program focused on decentralized command and control and distributed military operations.
W.Va. Guard sending support to Ohio County following storm damage
At the direction of Governor Jim Justice, the West Virginia National Guard is sending a team of Soldiers to support Ohio County following damage from severe weather earlier this week. A liaison officer from the 1092nd Engineer Battalion will arrive today to provide assistance to Ohio County’s Office of Emergency Management in damage assessment and reconnaissance for military support. Beginning tomorrow, a team of six Soldiers will be in place to assist with debris and downed tree removal.
W.Va. Guard, DISA and academia team up to lead U.S. team in NATO cyber exercise Locked Shields 2022
Thirty members of the West Virginia National Guard, along with more than 75 other representatives from the various federal and state agencies and the North Carolina National Guard competed on behalf of the United States team in the world’s largest international cyber defense exercise run virtually by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia, April 19-21, 2022, in Morgantown, West Virginia.
W.Va. Guard, DISA and academia team up to lead U.S. team in NATO cyber exercise Locked Shields 2022
Thirty members of the West Virginia National Guard, along with more than 75 other representatives from the various federal and state agencies and the North Carolina National Guard competed on behalf of the United States team in the world’s largest international cyber defense exercise run virtually by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia, April 19-21, 2022, in Morgantown, West Virginia.
West Virginia Guard, Military Retiree Council to host first Military Retiree Appreciation Day April 2nd in Eleanor
Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th The West Virginia National Guard will host a Military Retiree Appreciation Day April 2, 2022, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Eleanor Armory located at 111 Army Navy Drive in Eleanor, West Virginia. The event will be hosted in conjunction with the West Virginia Military Retiree Council, and will mark the first event sponsored by a National Guard command and its retiree council.
W.Va. Guard to deploy in support of U.S. Capitol Police
Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th Approximately 80 Soldiers and Airmen from various units in the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard will depart this week to Washington, D.C. to support security operations for the U.S. Capitol Police. “Our National Guard is just phenomenal and we owe them everything for what they do to help our state and nation during times of need,” said Governor Jim Justice.
W.Va. Guard Soldiers, Airmen gain exposure to legislative process during D.C. professional development session
The West Virginia National Guard hosted its first legislative professional development seminar in many years for nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen Feb. 8, 2022, at the National Guard Association of the United States building in Washington, D.C. The goal of the legislative professional development seminar was to introduce Soldiers and Airmen to the legislative process and discuss how it impacts the National Guard and Department of Defense.
West Virginia Guardsmen played pivotal role in Afghanistan evacuation missions
Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th Soldiers and Airmen of the West Virginia National Guard were critical components of Operation Allies Refuge, the Department of State-led project of evacuating Afghan citizens, which took place prior to the United States’ complete withdrawal from Afghanistan Aug. 31, 2021.
West Virginia, Qatar formalize military partnership [Image 3 of 4]
Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th Brig. Gen. William Crane, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, and Staff Brigadier Khalid Alkhayareen, Director of the International Forces Affairs Directory for Qatar's International Military Cooperation Authority, sign an expression of cooperation document between the State of West Virginia and the State of Qatar June 21, 2021, in Doha, Qatar.
West Virginia, Qatar formalize military partnership
Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th Brig. Gen. William Crane, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, and Staff Brigadier Khalid Al-Khayareen, Director of the International Forces Affairs Directory for Qatar’s International Military Cooperation Authority, officially signed an Expression of Cooperation June 21, 2021, between the State of West Virginia and the State of Qatar in Doha, Qatar.
National Guard issues statement after error reported in vaccine distribution to Boone Coun
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Yesterday the West Virginia National Guard learned of an error which resulted in 42 people receiving Regeneron Antibody product instead of the Moderna Vaccine. The 42 individuals received the antibody product at a vaccination clinic hosted by staff at the Boone County Health Department. KEY POINTS: ● Medical experts with the Joint Interagency Task Force do not believe there is any risk of harm to these 42 individuals.
167th Airlift Wing service member dies in mutual aid response call
By Maj. Holli Nelson | West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs | Dec. 27, 2020 MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A West Virginia Air National Guard Airman assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg was fatally injured Dec. 27, 2020, during a mutual aid response call to a structure fire with the 167th Fire Department. The name of the service member is being withheld for 24 hours pending notification of the next of kin. Additional details will be provided as more information becomes available.
Guard-led initiative resulting in more West Virginians having access to COVID-19 testing
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — At the direction of Governor Jim Justice nearly two weeks ago, the West Virginia National Guard ramped up its efforts to provide increased testing capacity throughout the State of West Virginia, which has resulted in a staggering 15,109 COVID-19 tests conducted in the last 13 days.
West Virginia ANG hosts inaugural air-to-air staff talks with Peru
By Maj. Holli Nelson , West Virginia Air National Guard Public Affairs / Published September 29, 2020 Members of the 130th Airlift Wing and West Virginia Army National Guard talk with members of the West Virginia National Guard’s State Partnership Program counterparts, Sept. 24, 2020 at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, W.Va. The West Virginia/Peru SPP was formalized in 1996 and has generated more than 120 interactions between the forces. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt.
W.Va. Guard helps safeguard primary elections against cyber threats
Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th Members of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) Defense Cyber Operations – Element (Cyber Team) played a key role in safeguarding the June 09, 2020 primary elections in West Virginia, and will continue to provide critical support through the November general election cycle.
W.Va. Guard adds additional personnel, missions for state’s COVID-19 r
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Today, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the WVNG, outlined his four lines of effort for the Guard’s response to COVID-19 in the state.
W.Va. Guard update on COVID-19 preparations and response
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Today, more than 60 members of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) are serving the State of West Virginia in the response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The WVNG has the following missions taking place to augment civil authorities, provide expertise to local hospitals and first responders and assist with logistical movement of supplies to areas around the state.
West Virginia National Guard identifies Army casualty
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sgt. William Friese, a West Virginia Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 821st Engineer Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion, 111th Engineer Brigade, Summersville, West Virginia, passed away in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related incident July 18, 2019, while serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
WVARNG conducts knowledge exchange with Peru's army, police
LIMA, Peru – Members of the West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) conducted hands-on aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations training for medical experts of the Peruvian Armed Forces the first week of July in Lima. As a part of a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) effort through the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, Col. Kermit Huebner, Col. Todd Fredricks, Master Sgt. Evan McDonough and Sgt.
Special Forces Soldiers train with Polish, Latvian allies in West Virginia
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the Polish Territorial Defense Forces receive training in checkpoint vehicle clearing techniques from members of West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) Special Forces during Ridge Runner 19-02, June 24, 2019, in West Virginia.
W.Va. Special Forces train with Polish, Latvian forces in West Virgini
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) Special Forces Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) recently completed the first irregular and unconventional warfare training iteration for members of the Polish Territorial Defense Forces and Latvian Zemmessardze as a part of the Ridge Runner program in West Virginia.
W. Va. Guard responds to flooding in Harman
1 / 1 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the West Virginia Army National Guard conduct debris removal operations July 2, 2019, in Harman, West Virginia at the K-12 school. Several areas in Randolph County, West Virginia we hit with heavy rainfall and flooding on June 30, 2019, resulting in damages to infrastructure, properties, a local school, and some area businesses. (Photo Credit: Edwin Wriston) VIEW ORIGINAL HARMAN, W.
UPDATE: WVNG, WVDHSEM response to flooding in Eastern West Virginia
HARMAN, W.Va. — Response efforts continued today for the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) and the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) in Eastern West Virginia for areas impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding on Sunday, June 30, 2019. The WVNG had 12 Soldiers on the ground today on State Active Duty providing initial damage and needs assessments with local emergency management and county leaders as well as debris removal at the Harman K-12 school.
W.Va. Guard promotes first African-American Army female colonel
ARLINGTON, Va. — The West Virginia Army National Guard promoted its first African-American female colonel last week, Col. Kim McGhee, during a formal ceremony held at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, West Virginia adjutant general, presided over the ceremony.
West Virginia National Guard identifies Soldier who died during traini
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Kingwood, W.Va., was fatally injured during a training exercise in Suffolk, Virginia, April 17, 2019. Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Sheperty, 36, suffered fatal injuries while involved in an airborne operations training exercise at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday. He was pronounced dead on the scene by local emergency services personnel.
West Virginia Army National Guard Soldier dies during training acciden
By Maj. Holli Nelson | West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs | April 17, 2019 CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia Army National Guard Soldier was fatally injured during a training exercise in Suffolk, Virginia, today. The name and unit of the Soldier is being withheld until notification of the next of kin has taken place. The West Virginia National Guard will host a press conference tomorrow afternoon, time to be determined, to provide an update to our partners in the media.
W. Va. Senior Enlisted Leaders Meet with Peruvian Army NCOs
This report originally published at southcom.mil. April 3, 2019 — LIMA, Peru – Senior enlisted leaders from the West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) spent five days assisting in the training and development of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) corps for the Peruvian Army (PERAR) March 25 through 29, 2019 in Lima. Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Cantrell, senior enlisted leader for the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG); Command Sgt. Maj.
West Virginia Air Guard welcomes newest general officer
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The West Virginia Air National Guard welcomed its newest general officer to its ranks March 3, 2019, during a formal promotion ceremony for Brig. Gen. Ray Shepard held at the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg. Shepard will be stepping into the role of Chief of Staff for the WVANG, serving under Brig. Gen. Christopher “Mookie” Walker, the Assistant Adjutant General – Air.
WVNG, ARSOUTH shaping the future for Peruvian Army’s NCO corps
By Capt. Holli Nelson, West Virginia National Guard 1 of 3 DOWNLOAD HI-RES / PHOTO DETAILS Sgt. Maj. Boris Bolaños, senior enlisted advisor to the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic, speaks to a crowd of Peruvian Army soldiers Sept. 10, 2018 in Lima, Peru.
Hurricane Response - 2018 Features - The National Guard
Three North Carolina Army National Guard Black Hawk Helicopters land on the 145th Airlift Wing flight line as part of storm preparation for Hurricane Florence, while at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, September 12, 2018. Hurricane Florence is one of the largest storms to hit the Carolinas in years and has ignited a massive response from emergency services.
Army Ranger School to graduate 1st female Army Guard Soldier
CHARLESTON, W.
Army Ranger School to graduate 1st female Army Guard Soldier
Army Ranger School to graduate 1st female Army Guard Soldier By Capt. Holli Nelson | West Virginia National Guard | April 26, 2018 CHARLESTON, W.
Army Ranger School to graduate 1st female Army Guard Soldier
1 / 1 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Pathfinder students conduct a VIRS (verbally initiated release system) exam at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, on Sept. 20, 2017. Students successfully guide helicopters into a drop zone and signal for release using hand signals, radio communications and visual guides. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Mickey Miller) VIEW ORIGINAL CHARLESTON, W.
West Virginia National Guard and Qatar selected as partners
CHARLESTON, W. Va. - The West Virginia National Guard has been notified of its selection to partner with Qatar as a part of the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, expanding its successful program to a second partner nation. Gov. Jim Justice met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani last week to discuss myriad opportunities between the state, the WVNG, and Qatar for future military, economic development, agricultural and cultural endeavors, among other things.
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