The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) continues to play a vital role in supporting the state of Virginia, both in times of crisis and through ongoing community service. As a volunteer military organization, the VDF works alongside the Virginia National Guard to enhance the safety, security, and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens. With a proud history that dates back to the early 20th century, the VDF has evolved to meet the modern needs of the state, adapting its mission to include a wide range of activities, from disaster response to community engagement.
One of the key aspects of the VDF’s service is its emphasis on professional expertise and training. This commitment was on full display during the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course held on August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Lt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham, a licensed nurse practitioner, and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse, a board-certified emergency room doctor, both officers in the VDF, conducted classroom instruction for the course. With nearly three decades of experience each, Graham and Kruse not only taught essential blocks of instruction but also fielded questions from students, sharing their real-world knowledge and experience. Their involvement allowed Virginia Army National Guard medics to recertify, ensuring that these soldiers maintain the high level of medical readiness required for their duties.
The participation of VDF medical professionals in such recertification courses highlights the force’s integral role in enhancing the capabilities of the Virginia National Guard. The VDF’s dedication to professional development, combined with its diverse range of activities, underscores its ongoing commitment to serving Virginia in both military and civilian capacities. Whether through disaster response, supporting community events, or providing specialized training, the Virginia Defense Force remains a crucial asset to the state, ready to serve whenever and wherever needed.
Lt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and experience.
Lt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and exLt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and exLt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and exLt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and exLt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and exLt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and exLt. Col. (Va.) Bryan Graham and Capt. (Va.) David Kruse conduct classroom instruction at the Virginia Army National Guard’s Medical Command 68W Combat Medic Recertification Course August 15, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Graham is a licensed nurse practitioner and Kruse is a board-certified emergency room doctor, and both have nearly three decades of experience. In addition to teaching blocks of instruction, both officers also fielded questions from students and shared their real-world knowledge and ex
