RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia National Guard Association announced today that Virginia State Senator T. Montgomery “Monty” Mason has been selected to receive the Brig. Gen. Edward Hudgins Award for legislative excellence.
This prestigious award recognizes Senator Mason’s exceptional support of the Virginia National Guard and his unwavering commitment to ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform receive the resources and support they need to protect and defend our great state.
Senator Mason’s tireless efforts were instrumental in the passage of Senate Bill 1210, which provided critical benefits to members of the Virginia National Guard. “His leadership and dedication to this cause were truly exemplary, and we are honored to recognize his outstanding contributions with this well-deserved award,” said Andrew J. Czaplicki, VNGA president.
“As we continue to face unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, it is more important than ever to have leaders like Senator Mason who are dedicated to supporting and uplifting our military personnel and their families,” Czaplicki said. “We are proud to have him as a champion for the Virginia National Guard, and we thank him for his service and commitment to our state and nation.”
The award was created in memory of Brig. Gen. Edward M. Hudgins, a Virginia National Guard officer that served in a variety of high-profile positions during and following World War 2. Hudgins served as aide-de-camp to Gen. Edward “Ned” Almond and military aide to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He later served as 23rd District Delegate to the General Assembly from 1952-1965. This award recognizes the achievements and dedicated service of local officials, civic leaders, elected representatives to legislative bodies at the local and state-level, who in a position of great responsibility distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Virginia National Guard or to the Virginia National Guard Association.
Previous awardees are Virginia Delegate Robert “Bobby” Orrock (R-54) in 2022 and Delegate Scott A. Wyatt (R-97) in 2021.
Senator Mason previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 93rd District in 2013 and again in 2015 prior to winning his race for State Senate in a special election in November of 2016.
Senator Mason also serves on the Virginia Living Museum Board of Directors, the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, the Statewide Advisory Board for the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance Board, the Executive Board of Smart Beginnings Virginia Peninsula, and the Advisory Board of Literacy for Life.
In addition to his Senate capacities, Senator Mason’s legislative appointments include serving on the Commerce and Labor committee, Privileges and Elections committee, Rehabilitation and Social Services committee, Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources committee, and the General Laws and Technology committee. Senator Mason also serves as Virginia’s legislative representative to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and was recently appointed to the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation, and the Frontier Culture Museum while being reappointed to the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, the State Executive Council to the Office of Children’s Services, and the State Water Commission for the length of his Senate term.
Please join us in congratulating Senator T. Montgomery “Monty” Mason on receiving the Brig. Gen. Edward Hudgins Award and in thanking him for his outstanding support of the Virginia National Guard. Senator Mason will be presented the award during the Virginia National Guard’s annual Military Ball held in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the end of April.
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Leaders are available for interviews or to appear as subject matter experts on issues related to the Virginia National Guard Association. Email contact@vnga.us to schedule an interview or appearance.
About VNGA: Established in 1960, the Virginia National Guard Association, Inc. is a recognized non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)(19) veterans’ service association representing over 10,000 Service Members of all ranks and status; enlisted, warrant and officer; traditional, active duty and retired.
Disclaimer: The Virginia National Guard Association, Inc., is a non-Federal entity. Official Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force or the Virginia National Guard endorsement of this organization is not stated or implied.