229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th IBCT

09/14/2022

More than 75 Virginia Army National Guard Engineer officers and senior noncommissioned officers from units across Virginia met for an “Engineer Muster” professional development conference Sept. 10, 2022, at the Virginia National Guard Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. The event was hosted by the command teams of the 276th Engineer Battalion and the 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, and it marked the first time in several years engineers from across the commonwealth were able to come together, hear from their senior leaders, learn about each unit’s capabilities and missions as well as build esprit de corps.

Brig. Gen. K. Weedon Gallagher, Virginia National Guard Land Component Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Virginia Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major, opened the conference with remarks followed by Lt. Col. Beau Mason and Master Sgt. Sean Manis, the 229th command team, and Lt. Col. Joseph Fleishman and Command Sgt. Maj.-select Galem Coleman, the 276th command team. The conference continued with an open forum where the senior leaders and command teams answered questions from the attendees. The conference closed with the unveiling of a new system for managing company grade engineer officers across the commonwealth and a glide path to assist junior enlisted Soldiers in their career development.

07/22/2022

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gathered with their families to celebrate their inaugural Soldier and Family Recognition Day July 10, 2022, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Battalion leaders recognized Soldiers and their families as well as companies in the battalion during the recognition event. More than 500 people attended the event along with multiple vendors including the Virginia National Guard Family Programs Office, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Our Military Kids and the Fredericksburg Guard Association.

07/15/2022

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team showcase their unit's combat engineering capabilities in route clearance as well as signal and intelligence information systems and familiarization with current weapons systems and the new Army Combat Fitness Test July 8, 2022, at the Fredericksburg Nationals Baseball Stadium in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Unit members also discussed their battalion's overall mission and recruiters assigned to the Virginia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion were on hand to answer questions about joining the Virginia National Guard. Read more about the 229th BEB at https://ngpa.us/20590.

07/07/2022

This month, Virginia’s Recruiting & Retention Battalion is challenging units to help grow the force! They’ll announce and celebrate the top lead-generating unit with a pizza party in August.

The Virginia Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion is offering up a pizza party for the top lead-producing unit in the state as part of their Summer Slam Challenge. The contest,

06/13/2022

Maj. Gen. John Rhodes, 29th Infantry Division Commanding General, meets with Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th IBCT, during their annual training June 11, 2022, at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. During his visit, Rhodes handed out special challenge coins and discussed unit readiness with the Soldiers.

06/12/2022

04/29/2022

Brig. Gen. K. Weedon Gallagher, commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, talks about the latest update to the Army Combat Fitness Test, focusing on fieldcraft during annual training and growing the VaARNG team in his latest quarterly update. Read more at https://ngpa.us/19444.

Read more about the revised ACFT information by visiting https://www.army.mil/acft/.

If you see someone who you think would be a good fit for the Army National Guard, speak up! Input their information as a lead for our recruiting team on the Virginia National Guard app on Android or Apple devices or visit https://apps.bfac.com/m/vaguard/.

03/30/2022

Join us in Normandy for the 78th anniversary of D-Day!

Each year, the Virginia Army National Guard conducts professional development training in conjunction with the anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. This year, the Virginia Army National Guard is inviting five Soldiers to join us June 2-10, 2022, as we visit battlefields, view exhibitions, attend symposiums and come together with partner nations and our sister services.

Interested Soldiers should submit a memo explaining why they would like to participate in the training and send it to [email protected] by May 5, 2022. Lead champions, or those Soldiers who log the most recruiting leads in the Virginia National Guard App March 15-April 30, 2022, will be given preference during the selection process.

Look for the app on Android or Apple devices or click here: https://apps.bfac.com/m/vaguard/

To enter a lead, open the app, click on “Unit Tools,” then “Unit Referral,” fill out the requested information and click “Submit” at the bottom of the page.

11/11/2021

Veterans Day Message from the St. Lo Command Team:

On Veterans Day, we honor generations of Americans who have put country over one’s self. They are our lifeblood that have secured our freedoms through service and sacrifice. The history of the 116th Infantry Regiment boasts a lineage of heroes and veterans who fought against evil and for the ideals of freedom across the globe.

Once again, the 116th IBCT will deploy Soldiers in support of global mobilizations in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and Kosovo. We are proud and confident the veterans we produce will continue the noble legacy of citizen service to help secure safety and liberty for our country.

The Brigade owes a special thanks to the families and employers whose continued support is critical to the success of our mission.

Today, let us pause and express gratitude for the millions of men and women who have served our great nation and acknowledge their significant contributions. We have the opportunity to honor them by continuing their mission and hold in our hearts the cause of freedom.

From the 116th IBCT, thank you for all you have sacrificed, and we hope you and your family have a Happy Veterans Day.

Ever Forward!

COL Christopher J. Samulski
St. Lo 6

CSM Irving N. Reed, Jr.
St. Lo 7

09/10/2021

Brig. Gen. Weedon Gallagher and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Smith, the Virginia Army National Guard command team, discuss reaching out to your battle buddy if you want to talk about the impact of recent events in Afghanistan. The Virginia National Guard also has a host of resources available, and you can find more information at https://va.ng.mil/R3SP.

09/01/2021

08/16/2021

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and staff members from the offices of Senator Mark Warner, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Congressman Donald McEachin visit with Soldiers assigned to the Virginia National Guard’s Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Aug. 11, 2021, and observe a live-fire range during annual training at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Col. Christopher J. Samulski, commander of the 116th IBCT, provided an overview of the 116th’s preparations for upcoming federal active duty mobilizations. The VNG is on pace to mobilize the most Soldiers and Airmen since 2007, and the 29th Infantry Division will mobilize the most Soldiers since World War II with troops deploying from units in Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky

08/15/2021

ENDURANCE Soldiers taking the Diagnostic ACFT this morning.

08/14/2021

“I’m proud of all the Soldiers in this Brigade. They’ve done an excellent job this annual training.”

Col. Chris Samulski, commander of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, reflects on the brigade’s last two weeks of intense training at Fort Pickett as annual training comes to a close this weekend.

08/13/2021

Members of ENDURANCE’s HHC completed the Air Assault Obstacle Course at Ft. Pickett during their Annual Training.

08/12/2021

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct their annual training, being held July 31 through Aug. 15, 2021, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Rhita Daniel)

08/09/2021

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct demolition training focused on emplacing Bangalore timber-cutting charges Aug. 8, 2021, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The demolition training was part of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s annual training being held July 31 through Aug. 15, 2021, at Fort Pickett. (U.S. National Guard photo by Cotton Puryear)

08/09/2021

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct demolition training focused on emplacing Bangalore torpedoes Aug. 8, 2021, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The demolition training was part of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s annual training being held July 31 through Aug. 15, 2021, at Fort Pickett. (U.S. National Guard video by Cotton Puryear)

08/09/2021

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct demolition training focused on emplacing Bangalore torpedoes and timber-cutting charges Aug. 8, 2021, at Fort Pickett, Virginia.

08/05/2021

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct demolition training focused on emplacing timber-cutting charges Aug. 3, 2021, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The demolition training was part of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s annual training being held July 31 through Aug. 15, 2021, at Fort Pickett.

08/05/2021

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct demolition training focused on emplacing timber-cutting charges Aug. 3, 2021, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The demolition training was part of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s annual training being held July 31 through Aug. 15, 2021, at Fort Pickett.

08/03/2021

Saint Lo 7 Sends: Soldier care, focused training and safety aretop priorities for AT

Saint Lo Team:

Thank you for your warm welcome back to 116th IBCT, and I look forward to serving as the brigade command sergeant major. I have been with the Virginia National Guard for 30 years and with the 116th for 27 years, so rejoining as the CSM feels like I’m home again.��First and foremost, my top priority is the safety and well-being of the Soldiers and their families. You are the foundationof this unit and this Army. To my Soldiers, thank you for your dedicated work this past year. The nation has asked a great deal of the Virginia National Guard, and I am grateful for how you all stepped up to the plate. To the families, you are the backbone to this brigade and the reason we can come to drill and do our jobs. Without your support and care, we would not be able to complete our missions.��As we continue to answer the call, we must stay focused: We train to fight and fight to win. Effective, well-coordinated and safe training is imperative to our success, and I look forward to the partnership with Col. Samulski and each battalion command team as we worktogether to meet our readiness goals. During this AT, please continue to stay hydrated, follow the directed COVID-19 safety measures and take care of yourself and your battle buddy. It is essential that we constantly strive to bea more cohesive and supportive team, and we are much stronger as a unit when wework together and look out for each other.��Thank you again to everyone for your continued service and support. I am excited to work with this team and prepare for the challenges ahead. I know we will be successful.


EVER FORWARD!
Irving N. Reed, Jr.
CSM, VaARNG
Command Sergeant Major
116th IBCT

08/01/2021

Saint Lo 6 Sends: Annual Training priorities and COVID-19 safety

Saint Lo Team:

The 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is conducting Annual Training to accomplish mission essentials tasks to prepare for upcoming federal active duty mobilizations. After months of remote training due to COVID-19, it is essential Soldiers conduct in-person training to meet readiness requirements for upcoming overseas deployments.

All 116th IBCT personnel will follow Department of Defense directives and wear face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status. We will follow the appropriate COVID-19 safety mitigations such as temperature screenings, social distancing and hand washing.

We are taking all the necessary steps to train in the COVID-19 environment and keep everyone healthy. We have the necessary accommodations if a Soldier is to contract the virus. They will receive the appropriate medical care based on their symptoms and be isolated in accordance with established state and federal health guidelines.

Personally, I contracted COVID-19 last year and elected to receive the vaccine, as well. The military will afford the opportunity for all Soldiers to receive their vaccine here at Annual Training. I encourage all to get their vaccine in order to help the state and country come out of this pandemic.

We are back to brigade-wide field training after a long break, and it is important we keep safety in mind with everything we do. The weather is looking pretty good for Fort Pickett in August, but everyone needs to stay hydrated and take the appropriate steps for warm weather training. We need to look out for each other, so keep your battle buddies safe!

Thanks to everyone for your continued service and being here for Annual Training to make sure we are ready for the important missions ahead, and a special thanks for the continued sacrifice of our families and employers. Your support is critical to our success.

EVER FORWARD!

Christopher J. Samulski
COL, IN
Commander
116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

07/29/2021

In accordance with Department of Defense directive and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, all Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force uniformed personnel, Virginia Department of Military Affairs state and federal civilians, onsite contractors and visitors will wear face coverings when indoors at all Virginia National Guard facilities regardless of their vaccination status. Personnel may remove their masks indoors when in their work areas and not in contact with other personnel. Everyone is encouraged to continue to exercise social distancing and other COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

07/12/2021

229th BEB conducts officer PT and OPD with EN06

04/20/2021

03/15/2021

The Virginia National Guard has opened a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Fort Pickett, and all service members are encouraged to get more information from trusted sources and contact their unit to schedule an appointment if they choose to receive the vaccine.

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is fully operational at Fort Pickett, and all Soldiers and Airmen are encouraged to get the vaccine. Traditional status

02/11/2021

🚨 ATTENTION 🚨 For Soldiers and Airmen enrolled in Tricare Reserve Select who served on orders exceeding 30 days in support of the mission in Washington, D.C.: Upon activation, you and your family were automatically enrolled in Tricare. Once the orders end, so will the Tricare enrollment. Those wishing to continue enrollment in Tricare or Tricare Reserve Select will need to re-enroll.

Additional information:
- The premium for January should be refunded, but this may not happen before re-enrollment, and due to timing, the premium may be used toward one of the two months of premium payments that are due upon your new enrollment.
- Links below for additional information. Specific information regarding deactivation can be found on page 12 of the TRICARE Choices handbook.

If you have additional questions Family Readiness Specialists are prepared to help assist. Contact information available here: https://go.usa.gov/xsCpn

TRICARE Handbook: https://go.usa.gov/xsCpE

2021 TRICARE Costs & Fees: https://go.usa.gov/xsCpy

02/08/2021

Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine present thank you letters to Col. Chris Samulski, commander of the Virginia National Guard’s 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Feb. 8, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Governor Ralph Northam and Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton joined Kaine and Warner in thanking VNG troops for supporting civilian law enforcement for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. All VNG troops have left Washington, D.C., and are transitioning back to a traditional National Guard duty status. Read more about the 116th IBCT role in supporting PI59 at https://go.usa.gov/xAMZz.

01/30/2021

Capt. Stephen Holden takes command of Alpha Company, 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Capt. Matthew Henry, Jan. 30, 2021, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Lt. Col. Beau Mason, commander of the 229th, presided over the change of command ceremony and the exchange of unit guidon signifying the transfer of command from Henry to Holden.

01/25/2021

Lt. Col. Robert P. “Beau” Mason, commander of the Virginia National Guard’s 229th Brigade Engineering Battalion,116th Infantry Brigade Combat, oversees a promotion and extension ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol Building Jan. 24, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

01/23/2021

“Virginia National Guard personnel are remaining on duty following the presidential inauguration at the request of local and federal authorities, and they will remain on duty until those agencies no longer require our direct support,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. “We expect our troops to conduct security-related missions to include crowd control, traffic control and assisting with entry and exit points. We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedicated service they have demonstrated throughout this mission, and they will continue to play an important role in helping keep their fellow citizens safe.”

RICHMOND, Va.— Approximately 1,000 Virginia National Guard personnel will be among more than 7,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from dozens of states remaining in Washington, D.C. following the

01/19/2021

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert P. “Beau” Mason, commander of the Virginia National Guard’s 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, talks with Soldiers assigned to his battalion, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington, D.C. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women have been authorized to conduct security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Read more about VNG support in Washington, D.C. at https://go.usa.gov/xAy6D.

01/18/2021

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the Virginia National Guard’s 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team stands watch near the U.S. Capitol building, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington, D.C. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women have been authorized to conduct security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Read more here: https://go.usa.gov/xAy6D
(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Lucretia Cunningham)

01/17/2021

Virginia National Guard personnel now have cots when they are on duty and resting between shifts as they are support civilian law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C. Every Soldier and Airman has a hotel room where they stay when they are not on duty. Read more about VNG support in Washington, D.C. at https://go.usa.gov/xAy6D.