VDF cyber battalion welcomes new commander

MANASSAS, Va. — Lt. Col. (Va.) John Congson took command of the Virginia Defense Force’s 31st Cyber Battalion from Warrant Officer 1 (Va.) Daniel Coleman during a change of command ceremony April 2, 2022, in Manassas, Virginia. Col. (Va.) Robin Phillips, commander of VDF’s 1st Regiment, presided over the exchange of unit guidon representing the change of command from Coleman to Congson. Coleman served as the officer in charge of the former VDF Cyber Detachment and was instrumental in growing the unit mission and transformation into a battalion element, and Congson is the first to command the new organization.

After the change of command ceremony Col. Rusty McGuire, commander of the Virginia National Guard’s 91st Cyber Brigade, presented the Virginia National Guard Bronze Star Medal to Coleman, Officer Candidate (Va.) William Rimmer and Warrant Officer 1 (Va.) Nathan Haslim for outstanding duty performance while conducting cyber vulnerability assessments across the state. He also presented the Virginia National Guard Commendation Medal to Officer Candidate (Va.) Phil Gorman and Warrant Officer 1 (Va.) Michael Johnson as well as the Virginia National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon to Rimmer, Gorman, Coleman, Haslim, Johnson and Officer Candidate (Va.) Kurt Luther.

After the change of command ceremony Phillips presented the VDF Commendation Medal to Coleman in recognition for his service to the cyber battalion, and Coleman’s son Pfc. Zackary Coleman pinned on the medal. Phillips also presented the VDF Emergency Service Ribbon to Congson, Rimmer and Coleman.

Click HERE to view more photos on the Virginia National Guard Flickr site.