It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fort Belvoir, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fort Belvoir, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fort Belvoir, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fort Belvoir, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Between restricted access to the installation, a confusing application process through USA Jobs, and the public’s lack of awareness of the wide variety of Army civilian careers available, hiring has long been a challenge for Fort Belvoir’s Director of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).Through meticulous after-action analysis, Fort Belvoir has sharpened its hiring process far beyond waiting for applicant resumes to arrive in USA JOBS, according to Marie Grayson-George, Fo...
FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Between restricted access to the installation, a confusing application process through USA Jobs, and the public’s lack of awareness of the wide variety of Army civilian careers available, hiring has long been a challenge for Fort Belvoir’s Director of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
Through meticulous after-action analysis, Fort Belvoir has sharpened its hiring process far beyond waiting for applicant resumes to arrive in USA JOBS, according to Marie Grayson-George, Fort Belvoir’s Chief, Child and Youth Services.
“We don’t get a lot of qualified applicants through USA JOBS,” Greyson-George said, noting that most applicants were unaware that “childcare provider” is an Army civilian career. “Applicants have no idea that there's thousands of job descriptions – they just think jobs are for Soldiers or designing rockets,” adding that their first successful shift was growing awareness of the wealth of civilian opportunities, which they began more heavily promoting in 2018 with their first job fair.
Another barrier for potential candidates was the sole point of entry, USA JOBS, which can be difficult to navigate. The CYS team began with community outreach, teaching jobseekers how to complete the many fields and questions required in the application.
To overcome the restricted access to Fort Belvoir, the CYS recruiting team took the hiring fairs off-post on the road, and collaborated with county and state leaders, according to Leo Duran, a CYS Program Operations Specialist. Duran said they capitalized on access to local counties’ government offices for rent-free locations, as all parties were eager to encourage jobs growth. They also found a strong ally in Virginia Career Works, which was vital in coordination and assistance.
“Since many of our workers come from south of the post, our July jobs fair was at Prince William County’s A.J. Ferlazzo Building, which offered free space, with tables and chairs, but just as importantly, a bus stop in front of the building,” Duran said.
Candidates were invited to apply online before arriving, but past events taught the team to provide sufficient computers, stations and assistants to help each person set up an account, enter their resume, and what the meaning of each of the application questions meant. The most efficient setup featured a table for each stage of the application process:
Including runners and on-the-spot reference verifiers, the operation required a team of up to 30 individuals. It was a considerable investment of time for both applicants and CYS. After four to six hours of table-hopping, the process concludes with their ID photo being taken, a bag with CYS swag, and a room-halting announcement that another TJO had been handed out, with everyone cheering the applicant on.
“It’s like a red carpet moment, when we all cheer the latest candidate,” Duran said with a smile.
There was considerable follow-through after the applause. There was a detailed background check history and two physical exams at the Military Medical Center, but Grayson-George said the results were immediately apparent.
Collaborations with Fairfax County on February 19 and Prince William County on July 22 resulted in 92 of 137 attendees receiving a TJO – an impressive 67 percent success rate, thanks to continuous quality improvement.
“Less than 50 percent of the applicants that apply online, end up with TJOs, so this was such an improvement in our hiring that we were able to open Two more Child Development Centers,” said Greyson-George.
If you are interested in a rewarding career as a Childcare Specialist, the team is already preparing for another successful day in mid-October. Stay tuned to the Fort Belvoir MWR page for details: https://belvoir.armymwr.com/
FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Transforming future capabilities rely on understanding the role of a combat support agency and its expertise in supply chain management, the Defense Logistics Agency director said while meeting with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment July 30.“We're a combat support agency, so we should prioritize those things that support our warfighters and the execution of their combat mission,” said DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly.DLA senior leade...
FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Transforming future capabilities rely on understanding the role of a combat support agency and its expertise in supply chain management, the Defense Logistics Agency director said while meeting with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment July 30.
“We're a combat support agency, so we should prioritize those things that support our warfighters and the execution of their combat mission,” said DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly.
DLA senior leaders met with ASD for Energy, Installations and Environment Dale Marks to discuss challenges with critical mineral storage, aging infrastructure, bulk fuel support and emerging chemicals concerns.
Marks emphasized the critical minerals mission.
“It is not about mining critical minerals, but ensuring we store these critical minerals in the proper infrastructure and in locations with adequate rail, transportation and distribution networks to move the material in a time of need,” he said.
Referencing the Defense Department’s efforts to consolidate and divest DLA’s strategic materials-handling roles and responsibilities after the Cold War, Simerly said there are always opportunities to change the agency’s operating procedures to meet new mission requirements.
“While the current reporting for strategic materials is done annually asset availability is going to be important moving forward,” he said.
Marks stated that the Defense Department's AI data centers depend on two essential elements for operational integrity and optimal performance: comprehensive security to protect sensitive data and a reliable energy supply for cooling.
There is also a partnership opportunity by understanding the agency’s footprint and using the workforce’s expertise to establish a hybrid approach to address these concerns, he added.
“By leveraging our current storage and distribution network, we can potentially reduce the need to acquire more infrastructure as well,” said DLA Vice Director Brad Bunn. “Currently, we have storage for current strategic materials needs but may require more storage in the future.”
Bunn explained how DLA could use existing contracts to meet the fencing and fuel requirements for the data centers as well.
DLA Energy serves as the Integrated Material Manager for the nation’s bulk fuel supply chain for the Defense Department’s global customers.
“Our goal is to optimize the supply chain, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness and responsiveness to customer needs,” DLA Energy Commander Navy Rear Adm. George Bresnihan said. “We do this through buying, storing and delivering ‘Class III,’ bulk fuel.
Bresnihan emphasized his team’s role in managing the entire lifecycle of bulk fuel, from procurement and storage to distribution and disposal to ensure it’s available where and when it’s needed.
He also explained how reduced cost sharing with the military services and aging fuel storage infrastructure overtime are negatively impacting his supply chain’s sustainment, restoration and modernization efforts.
“As the services look to us for low fuel price points, we have to be very careful with this because it increases risk to the working capital fund overtime,” Simerly said in response, highlighting how the departments biggest spend on the Defense Working Capital Fund is fuel.
Bresnihan also spoke on the Joint Petroleum Enterprise, which is a joint effort to address the nation’s most pressing fuel challenges. It represents a force multiplier that directly supports the department's ability to project power globally while reducing operational risk. Optimizing the bulk fuel supply chain leads to cost savings through reduced waste, better inventory management and streamlined processes.
“This integrated approach ensures that regardless of where our forces operate, they have the fuel needed to accomplish their missions and return home safely,” Bresnihan said.
DLA Logistics Operations Emerging Chemicals Process Integrator Doug Martin
discussed how DLA is building a new Hazardous Material Information Resource System software that uses DOD-managed artificial intelligence to extract and catalog suppliers’ Safety Data Sheet information with full chemical formulation for all products purchased by the department. The new software will enhance DLA’s support to the department and minimize costs to the government.
“Once full operational capability is reached, DLA will be able to identify across the department what products contain specific chemicals and minerals that are identified as being at risk in the supply chain,” he said. “This will allow the DOD to take decisive action to mitigate these risks.”
Other discussions during the session included aging infrastructure in the DLA footprint and the administration’s proposed plans to close several federal buildings could have a direct impact on DLA employees and operations.
“My biggest job is to be your biggest advocate,” Marks said. “I want to understand your roles and responsibilities, ingest the work and advocate on your behalf.”
Simerly and Marks both agreed to have routine engagements in the future to discuss challenges and identify opportunities for advocacy on behalf of the agency while partnering for critical mission success.
Defense Logistics Agency logistics and sustainment warfighter support Contested Logistics combat support agency supply chain management Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy Logpoints
David H. Dentino, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Housing and Partnerships assumed his role in the spring of 2024, and on July 18, paid his first visit to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to discuss housing, partnerships and what the Army is doing to elevate the quality of life for Families. His first visit was with privatized housing managers The Michaels Organization, which owns and maintains more than 2,200 homes on the installation spread across 15 separate Villages. Stopping at the Visitor’s Welcome Center, Secret...
David H. Dentino, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Housing and Partnerships assumed his role in the spring of 2024, and on July 18, paid his first visit to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to discuss housing, partnerships and what the Army is doing to elevate the quality of life for Families. His first visit was with privatized housing managers The Michaels Organization, which owns and maintains more than 2,200 homes on the installation spread across 15 separate Villages. Stopping at the Visitor’s Welcome Center, Secretary Dentino noted how Fort Belvoir’s Main Street complex utilized mixed-use housing, with shops and offices on the first floor, and second story apartments above. Dentino noted that Gen. Randy George, Army Chief of Staff had told him he would like to see more of that design as Army housing is upgraded. The Michaels team explained what is ahead with Young Village, the next big housing project, expected to begin construction in the third or fourth quarter of this year. Young Village will create 200 townhomes just a block away from the Commissary and Post Exchange, and two blocks from Fort Belvoir Elementary School. Matthew Conlan, Chief of Garrison’s Housing Division for Directorate of Public Works, said that the Army and the privatized housing partners have a united focus on Family welfare. “Our goal is to get Families into quality housing, so the relationship between the Garrison and our Residential Community Partner is quite collaborative,” Conlan said. Dentino said his first visit was enlightening. “It’s a beautiful installation. I think the Garrison obviously takes great care of all the soldiers that live, work and play on Fort Belvoir,” he said. After a windshield tour through several villages, and the future site of Young Village, Dentino attended the Michaels Organization Educational Foundation Scholarships Award Luncheon, where the housing partners awarded more than $437,000 to 47 community residents pursuing higher education at accredited universities, colleges or vocational training programs across the nation, according to The Michaels Organization. Col David Stewart, Fort Belvoir Garison commander, said this was about much more than awards. “It is a testament to community, and our commitment to supporting families, showing that when we invest in their educational dreams, we strengthen the very foundation of this nation,” Stewart said. He issued a challenge for each of them: “[T]urn that promise into purpose - use this opportunity to lead boldly, serve others selflessly, and pursue excellence relentlessly,” said Stewart. “Your journey doesn’t end with this award—it begins here. Go forward and make a difference—not just for yourself, but for those who will follow in your footsteps.” Dentino, whose life’s work is engineering, advised that the real value of education is learning the process of research and finding out things you don’t know. “Find out how to apply the things that you do now, and then get to a solution, because that is something that never ends; you try and make decisions with imperfect information,” Dentino said. “Learn the process piece of this as much as you learn practical application of your studies. “We all need to make sure that Families can come home and play hard and have a great location which to do it. I think the Michaels Organization and the partnerships they provide allow that to happen.”
Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Samulski took command of the 29th Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. Joseph A. DiNonno Aug. 3, 2025, on the Long Parade Field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of the Virginia, presided over the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from DiNonno to Samulski. Command Sgt. Maj. Eric J. Saxton, the 29th senior enlisted leader, was keeper of the colors for the ceremony.“We are fortunate today as we conduct the change of command from Maj. Ge...
Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Samulski took command of the 29th Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. Joseph A. DiNonno Aug. 3, 2025, on the Long Parade Field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of the Virginia, presided over the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from DiNonno to Samulski. Command Sgt. Maj. Eric J. Saxton, the 29th senior enlisted leader, was keeper of the colors for the ceremony.
“We are fortunate today as we conduct the change of command from Maj. Gen. DiNonno to Brig. Gen. Samulski, to continue to bring steady leadership with citizen Soldiers who have served at the highest level of our combat formations, including multiple deployments around the globe,” said Ring. “To the family and Nicole and Rachel, we thank you for your steady leadership and support to these two great leaders as they continue to lead our formations.”
Samulski previously served as the 29th Infantry Division’s deputy commanding general for operations. Before that, he commanded the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from August 2020 to January 2023, including their mobilization to Kosovo as Task Force Saint Lo from February to November 2022. He began his career when he enlisted as a mortarman in the Army National Guard in 1995.
He earned his commission as an infantry officer in August 1997. He served in a variety of staff and command positions, including infantry company command, battalion operations officer, commander of the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment and operations officer for the 29th Infantry Division. He deployed to Iraq in 2010 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and commanded 1-116th Infantry during their deployment to Qatar in 2016 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Spartan Shield.
“To the Soldiers of the 29th, the next several years will provide both challenges and opportunities for the 29th Infantry Division and its aligned brigades. I look forward to leading and serving with all of you,” said Samulski. “We will continue to work hard, learn and excel to ensure this division is prepared when our nation or states call. We are the ‘Blue and Gray Division!’”
Samulski reflected on the historic heritage and combat proficiency of the 29th Infantry Division and thanked DiNonno for his leadership, guidance and vision in the two years he served as division commander. He acknowledged the high bar set by DiNonno and the professionalism of the staff and Soldiers.
DiNonno reflected on his service as the 29th’s commanding general.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division,” said DiNonno. “Prior to this assignment, I was fortunate to serve as the deputy commanding general for operations during the division headquarters’ most recent deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield, which concluded in 2022.”
DiNonno went on to highlight the division's accomplishments during his tenure as commanding general.
“Among our most significant achievements was our successful deployment and execution of Operation Immediate Response in Poland, as part of the Defender 24 series of linked exercises in Europe,” recounted DiNonno. “The 29th ID proved its ability to rapidly deploy, integrate and exercise mission command over U.S., allied and partner brigades in some of the most challenging combined arms tasks – most notably, wet gap crossings.”
During the ceremony, Ring presented DiNonno with the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal. DiNonno’s follow-on assignment will be serving as the special assistant to the Director of Army National Guard for 18th Airborne Corps Matters, effective Sept. 1, 2025.
Formed in 1918, the 29th Infantry Division saw action in World War I, participated in the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach during World War II, and mobilized thousands of Soldiers to the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Africa throughout the Global War on Terror.
Today, the 29th Infantry Division stands as one of the Army National Guard’s eight infantry divisions, with units spread across seven states from Maryland to Florida. As part of the National Guard’s emerging division-aligned force, the 29th Infantry Division maintains training and readiness oversight of the following units:
• • Arkansas National Guard’s 142nd Fires Brigade
By DeCA Corporate CommunicationsFORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) announces an initiative to add Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods products starting with a major launch event at the Fort Belvoir Commissary in Virginia on July 30.The pilot launch of Ukrop’s prepared meals and fresh baked goods also includes commissaries at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Lee and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. This launch could eventually expand to 30 commissaries along the East Coast.DeCA is using the pilot...
By DeCA Corporate Communications
FORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) announces an initiative to add Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods products starting with a major launch event at the Fort Belvoir Commissary in Virginia on July 30.
The pilot launch of Ukrop’s prepared meals and fresh baked goods also includes commissaries at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Lee and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. This launch could eventually expand to 30 commissaries along the East Coast.
DeCA is using the pilot to evaluate the program’s viability with commissary patrons before rolling it out more broadly, said James R. Taylor, chief of the Deli, Bakery, Prepared Foods and Sushi categories within the agency’s Sales, Fresh Directorate.
“This initiative is focused on providing military patrons with convenient, flavorful meal options designed to complement their busy lifestyles,” Taylor said. “These prepared meals and fresh baked goods offer comfort, quality and a sense of ease, without the time or hassle of cooking from scratch.”
WHAT'S COMING TO SHELVES
Ukrop’s operates a central bakery and kitchen producing baked goods and prepared meals out of Richmond, Virginia. To celebrate the July 30 launch event at Fort Belvoir, DeCA and Ukrop’s will host an in-store event featuring free samples and coupons.
Here’s what shoppers can expect to see; items will vary from store to store:
• Entrées: Authentic Lasagna, Baked Spaghetti, Grilled Chicken Breast, Blackened Grilled Chicken Breast, Chicken Cobbler, Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken and Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast
• Quiche: Breakfast Quiche, Quiche Lorraine and Spinach Florentine Quiche
• Sides & Dips: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, Duchess Potato Casserole, Triple Cheese Macaroni and Cheese, and 7-Layer Southwestern Dip
• Deli Salads: Mrs. Marshall’s Cheddar Pimento Cheese, Mrs. Marshall’s Cole Slaw, Mrs. Marshall’s Garden Pasta Salad, Mrs. Marshall’s Potato Salad, Chicken Salad, Chunky Tuna Salad, Country Cole Slaw, Cranberry Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Light Chicken Salad, Mandarin Orange Salad, Marinated Cucumber Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Old Fashioned Potato Salad, Redskin Potato Salad, Rotini Pasta Salad, Seafood Salad, Strawberry Crème Salad, Tarragon Chicken Salad, Three Bean Salad and Vegetable Macaroni Salad
• Frozen Bakery: Rainbow Cookies (12 count), White House Rolls (12 count), Classic Cornbread, Lemon Loaf Pound Cake, Plain Loaf Pound Cake, Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Chocolate Fudge Pie, Southern Pecan Pie, Chocolate Fudge Tarts (4 count), Lemon Chess Tarts (4 count) and Southern Pecan Tarts (4 count). Blueberry Muffins (4 count), Carrot Raisin Muffins (4 count), Dutch Apple Pie and Blueberry Crumb Cake are expected to be added in a later rollout
“We’re honored to serve those who serve,” said Daniel Riddick, Ukrop’s director of marketing. “We look forward to connecting with the military community through meaningful, commissary-specific marketing and product offerings.”
SAVINGS AND CONVENIENCE
Ukrop’s prepared foods and bakery items aren’t the only new option helping military households save time and stretch their food budgets. Since 2024, commissaries have expanded other ready-to-heat, ready-to-eat options and ready-to-cook offerings to include the following: • Freedom’s Choice “Chef-Inspired” meals, ready in five minutes or less • Freedom’s Choice Marinated Meats available in nine 24-ounce varieties • Ready-made pizzas at select commissaries • Expanded rotisserie chicken and sushi offerings • Subs, wraps, paninis and bowls • Breakfast foods • Salads • Hot foods
“When families can rely on quick, healthy meals at home, it not only saves time, it supports well-being, family and military readiness and most certainly quality of life,” Taylor said. “We’re committed to offering more options which help our patrons get breakfast, lunch and dinner on the table faster, without sacrificing taste or nutrition.”
As Ukrop’s and other prepared foods products make their way into DeCA’s inventory, customers will be able to take advantage of regular promotions that offer even more savings displayed at the end of the store aisles. -DeCA-
About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
| Date Taken: | 07.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2025 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 543502 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, US |
This work, DeCA to unveil Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods items at Fort Belvoir July 30 in kick-off event with rollouts to Quantico, Norfolk and Lee that could expand to 30 commissaries, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
571-297-5764
