With war raging in Iraq and many Virginia National Guard members called to active duty, the VDF is securing vacated armories, maintaining equipment and providing support to families of deployed troops. But the VDF can be called on to help any state or local agency, especially during weather emergencies.

Nearly 400 members of the 116th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division have deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where hundreds of terrorists are being held. The VDF is helping their families by stocking a room at the Lynchburg armory with donated items such as diapers and canned vegetables. VDF also staged a Christmas party for the families.

VDF has an authorized strength of 1,200, and [Forest Tignor] said the force needs its full complement as more National Guard units are activated. VDF is seeking doctors, nurses, lawyers and financial experts. About 60 percent of VDF members are former military.