Message from the CaRMA Chair — Becky McDonough

As we approach the close of the year, I want to thank our partners across the installations, local governments, chambers, and industry who continue to demonstrate what “One Community” truly means. Even during a traditionally slower holiday period, collaboration across our region has remained strong and purposeful.

Over the past week, our conversations with installation and regional partners have reinforced the importance of readiness beyond the fence line — from infrastructure resilience and workforce development to quality-of-life initiatives that help service members and families thrive. These efforts position our region well as we look ahead to 2026 planning and grant opportunities.

I also want to acknowledge the spirit of service that defines this season. Programs like Host-a-Soldier, donations to food banks, and other local holiday support efforts remind us that small acts of hospitality can have a lasting impact on those who serve far from home. Special thanks to Channels 6 and 12 for getting the word out on Host-a-Soldier.

Thank you for your continued leadership, engagement, and commitment to our defense communities. I wish you and your families a peaceful and joyful Christmas season.

— Becky

Hosts Sharing a Meal with Soldiers

The outpouring of support for CaRMA’s Host-a-Soldier program is a testament to how former hosted soldiers, parents of soldiers who aren't going to be home for the holiday and families who care deeply for our defense community are excited to host. Sharing a home-cooked meal and enjoying meaningful fellowship is a tradition worth reviving. For many junior service members, this is a rare opportunity to experience the warmth of a family setting during the holidays.

The program strengthens bonds between Fort Lee and its surrounding communities while providing a simple but powerful reminder to Soldiers that they are supported and appreciated. Special thanks for the Garrison for the logistics and for Channels 6 and 12 for publicizing the program.

More Information:

https://carmava.org/adoptasoldier

Fort Lee Access Requirements:

https://home.army.mil/lee/access

USAG Ansbach advances energy resilience, preps ERCIP projects 

By USAG Public Affairs| Army.mil |December 16, 2025

As the U.S. Army sharpens its focus on installation readiness and critical infrastructure, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach is leaning forward on one of the Department of War’s most important modernization tools: the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program, better known as ERCIP.

House Border Czar and CBP Chief Tout Success Locking Down the Border in San Diego Visit

By Alexandra Mendoza|Military.com|December 14, 2025

Days after the Trump administration announced it was expanding the militarized border zone into California, the country’s top border security chiefs, who toured the San Diego border Saturday, Dec. 13, revealed few insights about what that might actually look like. 

What to know about the US military’s role in Syria after deadly ISIS attack

By Abby Sewell|Associated Press|December 14, 2025

BEIRUT (AP) — The death of two U.S. service members and one American civilian in an attack in Syria by an alleged member of the Islamic State group has drawn new attention to the presence of American forces in the country.

National Guard celebrates 389th birthday amid high-profile deployments and recruiting success

By Alexander Banerjee| Stars and Stripes| December 13, 2025

The Army National Guard on Saturday celebrates its 389th birthday amid months of hotly debated deployments to U.S. cities, recruiting success, and a recent tragedy in the nation’s capital.

Under Secretary of War Visited Fort Lee 11 Dec.

Fort Lee, Virginia

Fort Lee leaders welcomed The Honorable Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, to post.

Maj. Gen. Sean P. Davis, Commanding General of Fort Lee and the Combined Arms Support Command; Col. Rich Bendelewski, Fort Lee Garrison Commander; and Vice Adm. Stephen Tedford greeted him at the Fort Lee helipad before escorting him to the Defense Contract Management Agency Change of Command Ceremony. Under Secretary Duffey presided over the transition of leadership from Acting Director Sonya Ebright to incoming Director Vice Adm. Stephen Tedford. Fort Lee is proud to support this important moment of continuity and service within DCMA.

Army–Navy Game 2025: A Tradition of Leadership and Service

The 126th Army–Navy Game, played on 13 December 2025, once again showcased one of the nation’s most enduring traditions — competition grounded in mutual respect, service, and leadership. Beyond the final score, the game highlighted the shared commitment of future Army and Navy officers who will soon lead America’s sons and daughters.

This annual rivalry resonates deeply across defense communities, reinforcing values that matter locally: teamwork, discipline, resilience, and service before self. For many veterans, service members, and families across Central Virginia, the game is as much about tradition and unity as it is about football.

Why it matters locally:

Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy serve throughout Central Virginia, including at Fort Lee, Fort Pickett, and Defense Supply Center Richmond. The game is a visible reminder of the leadership pipeline that underpins our installations and national defense mission.

Read More:

• Official Army–Navy Game history and recap:

https://armynavygame.com

• U.S. Department of War overview of the Service Academies:

Military Service Academies > U.S. Department of War > Article | U.S. Department of War