Both the House and Senate have passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to be signed by the president. Among other things, the bill authorizes a pay raise for both service members and civilian defense employees.

Fort Belvoir kicked off the Christmas season with the installation’s annual tree-lighting and Winterfest celebration Saturday. Hundreds of families celebrated the start of the season with bounce houses, laser tag, face painting, a candy cannon shoot, train rides, a gingerbread house contest, snowball fights and more. Just after sunset, the crowd made its way to the towering holiday tree just outside of Garrison Headquarters to witness the tree-lighting ceremony.

There are many reasons to be merry this holiday season. Ensuring your loved ones enjoy themselves responsibly is one of the most important ways to keep that merry feeling into the new year. That is why the Fort Belvoir Army Substance Abuse Program would like everyone to embrace the spirit of sober driving this season. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. This campaign aims to prevent the loss of life by stressing safe driving practices and reminding those you care about to be sober, drug free, and safe on the road.

Col. Joe Messina, Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Garth Newell were on hand at the 16th Annual Mount Vernon / Springfield Chamber of Commerce event, Nov. 17 at the Hilton Springfield Hotel, as the chamber honored exceptional first responders from across Fairfax County. The Fort Belvoir supervisors recognized Military Police Officers, Firefighters and Army Security Guards for exceptional service.

“[Native American Heritage Month] is an opportunity to recognize the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, stories, and important contributions of Native American and Alaskan Native people,” said Edward Blauvelt, Society of American Indian Government Employees, or SAIGE, warrior society director. Throughout America’s history, 22 Native American servicemembers earned the Medal of Honor, 29 were U.S. Soldiers.