Adjutant General Seeks Flexibility as Virginia Activates National Guard

Virginia’s colleges and universities recently received a letter from the Adjutant General of Virginia’s National Guard notifying college and university leaders of an immediate call-up of National Guard soldiers. This may affect a number of our students, faculty and staff.  NOVA asks that we support these important peacekeepers and avoid penalizing them for absences beyond their control. For any specific concerns related to students, please reach out to your Dean or Associate Dean. For faculty and staff, please work with your direct supervisor. Here is the content from the letter from Maj. Gen. Timothy Williams of the VaARNG:

SUBJECT: Virginia National Guard Call to Active Duty in Support of Civil Disturbance – National Capital Region

To: Virginia’s Colleges and Universities

The Soldiers and Airmen of the Virginia National Guard have been issued a call to active duty by Governor Northam to support operations in the National Capital Region to protect against civil disturbance. The Governor and the Virginia National Guard appreciate your support of our service members during this time. This activation is involuntary and the service member is required by law to appear for duty. Due to the nature of responding to emergency situations, the call to duty is typically given with minimal prior notice. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you how long your students may be on orders. A call to active duty often presents personal, professional and financial hardships for our personnel. Your support is crucial to minimize those hardships. I humbly request your understanding and flexibility as our Guard members carry out their duty while trying to continue their studies.

The Virginia National Guard has been providing emergency response and disaster relief services to the Commonwealth since 1607. We rely on citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, like your student, to provide this protection. If you have questions about this activation, your student will be ready to provide the contact information to their Commanding Officer or other Virginia National Guard leadership.

Thank you for your support of our service members and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sincerely,
TIMOTHY P. WILLIAMS
Major General, VaARNG
The Adjutant General