AWARDS PROGRAM

The Meritorious Service Award was conceived to provide recognition for an individual who, as member of the Virginia National Guard, performed exceptionally outstanding service to the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the Virginia National Guard or to the Virginia National Guard Association. 

This award was created in memory of Capt. Harry Q. Rose a graduate of the Virginia National Guard’s Officer Candidacy School, Class VI in 1966. Rose was Killed in Action during an aerial flight in connection with a military operation against a hostile force. Rose received an Air Medal with Valor posthumously Oct. 28, 1968. This award is presented annually as the “Outstanding Leadership Award of the Virginia National Guard Officer Candidacy Class.

This award was created in memory of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Antoinette M. Kunka, a Virginia National Guard warrant officer who served as a Supply Systems Warrant Officer for the Directorate of Logistics. This award recognizes the achievements and dedicated service of Virginia Army National Guard junior warrant officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism in their services to the Commonwealth of Virginia and community.

2021 – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew J. Carbaugh, 29th Infantry Division

2022 – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon L. Paarfus, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

2023 – Warrant Officer 1 Gisselotte M. Ventura, 329th Regional Support Group

This award was created in memory of Brig. Gen. William E. Haymes. Haymes began his career in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, and was called into Federal service in 1941 where he transferred into the U.S Army Air Corps. Earning his pilot’s wings, Haymes flew combat missions in the P-39 and P-40 fighters throughout the Pacific Theater, being credited with at least one air-to-air victory. He later flew the P-51 during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953 earning a Gold Star from the South Korean Air Force. Haymes returned to Virginia in 1953 and served as the commander of the recently reorganized Virginia Air National Guard. While serving as a rated command pilot, Haymes flew the P-47, B-26 and F-84 aircraft. Haymes was selected as the first Assistant Adjutant General – Air and was the first General Officer of the Virginia Air National Guard. Haymes retired in 1981 after more than 40 years of military service and more than 7,500 hours of flying time. The Brig. Gen. William E. Haymes Award recognizes the achievements and dedicated service of Virginia Air National Guard junior officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism in their services to the Commonwealth of Virginia and community.

2021 – Capt. Alena Thomas, 192d Medical Group

2022 – No nomination received.

2023 – 

This award was created in memory of Congressman James Hay, a Virginia politician who served as the Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Military Affairs and championed the National Guard in the first National Defense Authorization Act. Congressman James Hay, who served as a Commonwealth Attorney for Madison County from 1883 to 1896, a Virginia Delegate representing Greene and Madison Counties from 1885 to 1891, State Senator from 1893 to 1897, and Congressman from 1897 to 1916. While in congress, he served as the Chair of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Military Affairs for the 62nd through 64th United States Congresses where he drafted and championed the National Defense Act of 1916. This act expanded the role of the National Guard in National Security by authorizing Federal funds to pay for 48 days of drill and 15 days of annual training. The NDA also enlarged the ranks to 450,000. This was the first major revision of the National Guard since the Militia Acts of 1792. This award recognizes citizens, local officials, civic leaders, and elected representatives for outstanding and exceptionally meritorious services to the Virginia National Guard or to the Virginia National Guard Association.

2023 – Sen. Bryce Reeves, Virginia 17th District, Virginia Senate