RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia National Guard Association, Inc. has opened nominations for its annual performance and service awards, recognizing individuals who demonstrated exceptional leadership in 2024. Nominations for the 2024 VNGA Individual Awards must be submitted by March 31, 2025.
The association presents three performance awards honoring outstanding company-grade officers and warrant officers, named in memory of distinguished former Virginia National Guard members:
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Antoinette M. Kunka Award (“Warrant Officer of the Year”) – Named after Chief Warrant Officer 3 Antoinette M. Kunka, who served as a Supply Systems Warrant Officer for the Directorate of Logistics. This award recognizes junior warrant officers in the Virginia Army and Air National Guard for outstanding leadership, professionalism, and dedicated service to the Commonwealth and their communities.
- Brig. Gen. Bert W. Holmes Award (“Army Officer of the Year”) – Named in honor of Brig. Gen. Bert W. Holmes Jr., who served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Virginia National Guard while operating a private medical practice. This award recognizes Virginia Army National Guard junior officers in the ranks of second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain for their exemplary leadership and service.
- Brig. Gen. William E. Haymes Award (“Air Officer of the Year”) – Named for Brig. Gen. William E. Haymes, who began his career in the 116th Infantry Regiment before transferring to the U.S. Army Air Corps. Haymes flew combat missions in World War II and the Korean War and later became the first Assistant Adjutant General – Air for the Virginia Air National Guard. This award honors junior officers in the Virginia Air National Guard who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism.
Additional awards recognize local officials, civic leaders, and elected representatives for their outstanding service to the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia National Guard Association.
All officers and warrant officers currently serving in the Virginia National Guard are eligible for nomination based on superior performance, acts of heroism, or meritorious service that contributed to the VNGA’s mission, the effectiveness of the Virginia National Guard, or the stability and security of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. The eligibility period covers January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
Nominations for the 2024 VNGA Individual Awards must be submitted by March 31, 2025. Awardees will be honored during the VNGA annual business meeting and conference on April 26, 2025, at the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Nominations may be submitted online. Candidates should review the latest VNGA Awards Program for award criteria and ensure that nominations include detailed justifications. Nomination forms can also be downloaded and submitted electronically to the Awards Committee Chair at contact@vnga.us.
Learn more about the VNGA Awards Program by visiting vnga.us/awards.