“I visited our Virginia National Guard soldiers and airmen to express my gratitude to them for bravely answering the call to serve. As we continue to face this crisis, Virginia, along with 12 other states, have committed to assisting the State of Texas’s efforts in key aspects of their mission,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.

This week, Governor Youngkin traveled to the southern border of Texas to visit the Virginia National Guard soldiers and airmen on deployment as part of Operation Lone Star, a multi-state effort to combat the illegal flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, curb human trafficking and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the southern border of the United States. 

Governor Youngkin signed autographs at Commanders’ first day of training camp in Ashburn. “I've said many, many times, you know, Virginia should be the best place to live, work, raise a family, and it should be the best place to have a professional football team,” said Governor Youngkin. 

The First Lady joined local leaders and legislators for Governor Glenn Youngkin's ceremonial signing of legislation tapping the Chincoteague Pony as the official state pony of Virginia. Fittingly, the ceremony was held near the pony pen at the Chincoteague Fireman's Carnival -- an annual gathering associated with the Chincoteague Pony Swim, which draws thousands of spectators from around the Commonwealth and country.

Last week, Governor Youngkin visited Ray Neblett's Inner City free basketball camp, where he spoke to kids about how basketball has impacted his life. 

“Some of my fondest memories are on the basketball court... from playing with my family, friends, and teammates to learning some of life’s greatest lessons from my coaches, basketball is at the heart of many of the values I hold dear to this day,” said Governor Youngkin.

As the Chincoteague Pony assumes its title as an official representative of Virginia’s abundant wildlife, did you know the Executive Mansion also pays homage to the ponies? Imagined by Ruth Starr Rose and on loan to the Mansion from the Chrysler Museum as part of the Art Experience, ‘Wild Pony Roundup’ depicts the ponies corralled after their famous swim from Assateague to Chincoteague, led by the legendary Saltwater Cowboys. To see the painting in person, visit the Executive Mansion for a tour on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or visit the Executive Mansion website for more details about the Art Experience.

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