VDF continues to emphasize health and wellness with voluntary fitness program

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Defense Force continued to build its new health and fitness program with fitness assessments during drill held May 2, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. This strategic initiative is designed to enhance the readiness and overall wellness of its members.

VDF leadership identifies this effort as part of a broader modernization of the force, which includes the recently authorized transition to the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform. According to the new VDF policy, the uniform change aligns the Virginia Defense Force more closely with its Virginia National Guard partners. Senior leadership within the VDF have prioritized the new voluntary wellness program, saying it underscores a commitment to ensuring that every member is physically, mentally and spiritually prepared to support the Virginia National Guard and serve Virginians during times of need.

“The readiness and well-being of our troopers are paramount,” said Brig. Gen. (Va.) Rich Diddams, commander of the Virginia Defense Force. “This fitness initiative is not just about meeting a standard; it’s about cultivating a culture of comprehensive wellness and resilience. A fit force is a capable force, ready to be a true force multiplier for the Virginia National Guard.”

Leading the development and implementation of the new standards are 1st Lt. (Va.) Laurie LaTessa, and 1st Lt. (Va.) Mark A. Chapman. Their passion for fitness and backgrounds in wellbeing are the driving forces behind the program’s design.

LaTessa is a prior-service Kansas Army National Guard Soldier, a certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor who recently competed in and finished the 50th

anniversary Marine Corps Marathon.

Chapman supported U.S. forces as a civilian contractor in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and his expertise is in integrative medicine and founder of a non-profit focused on leadership and mental health needs in the community. Both provide a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the program.

“I am passionate about helping people get and stay fit,” said LaTessa. “We are creating a program that is accessible to everyone yet challenging enough to ensure our members are prepared for any mission. Our goal is to build a stronger, more resilient VDF, one step at a time.”

The rollout is designed in two phases. Phase I consists of a basic assessment to establish a baseline for all members.

“I have created a beginner basic assessment to target these specific areas of fitness,” LaTessa explained. “Moving forward, we hope to increase the intensity and the load for this assessment in Phase II until all members of the VDF are fit enough to truly be force multipliers for the Virginia National Guard.”

To encourage and recognize exceptional physical conditioning, the team is working to implement a special award for members who can complete a more intense fitness

challenge. This may include meeting the rigorous standards requiring a score of 90 or above in all events for the participant’s age group.

The program is supported by clear, achievable guidelines designed with safety in mind for all individuals over 18. These guidelines include 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular training a day or 150 minutes a week. This includes activities such as brisk walking, jogging or rucking with medium weight.

The program also calls for two days of full-body resistance training each week.

Recommended activities for these were 40-minute sessions of body weight exercise, weightlifting, handle bands, and gym weight machines. The team emphasized that all members should consult with their primary care provider before starting any significant new exercise program.

VDF leaders emphasized participation in the physical wellness program is strictly voluntary and not tied to promotions, evaluations, duty status or assignments, but encouraged leaders at every level to foster a culture of wellness. All physical wellness sessions, training and formal assessments are completely optional, and VDF personnel may participate fully, partially or not at all without any negative career impact. The program accommodates physical limitations and injuries, and commanders and medical services personnel will approve reasonable alternative exercises on a case-by-case basis.

This focus on physical readiness is a critical component of the ongoing modernization of the Virginia Defense Force. The transition to the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform, authorized September 1, 2025, is another significant step in this evolution.

The new uniform not only enhances operational integration with the National Guard but, like the fitness program, also requires members to meet height and weight standards, reinforcing a professional and disciplined force. These parallel initiatives reflect the holistic approach of the Virginia Defense Force to building a modern, capable and ready all-volunteer force.