Locals gather to begin formation of a formal militia
Chris Holt, a 22-year-old in Chester sees that the U.S. Constitution is under attack. He may be young, but he is passionate about educating the public on the Constitution. Along with three other passionate young men (Vincent Kuzminski, Trevor Freeland, and Kenneth Swanson), he welcomed attendees who’d seen a Facebook post. It read in part: “As defined in Virginia Code 44-1, all able-bodied residents of the Commonwealth who are at least 16 years of age” may openly attend the muster for the 1st RVA Volunteer Militia. The post read that the purpose of this muster is to “preserve peace, tranquility and order … organizing to defend the rights and liberties of the people of RVA.” The muster was held Saturday at R. Garland Dodd Point of Rocks Park.
“We are forming a group to educate people about the Constitution,” Holt said to a group of 20 in attendance. “We want active members in each county to educate people on their rights. We are an all-inclusive unit of men, women, and everything in between, from all walks of life, of all races and creeds, all united under the common goal of educating the masses on their rights and liberties in the name of the Constitution.”
David of Chesterfield – not wanting to use his last name – attended the gathering to become more informed. “I see no harm in people being prepared for any number of situations that might fall our way,” he said.
Bryan of Richmond – also not wanting to have his last name used – said,” “It seems like the right thing to do. There are so many Americans sitting around complaining instead of taking action.”
Co-founder Swanson, from Montross, said the word “militia” got a bad name in the ’80s and ’90s, and this group wants to change the perception and become a group more engaged in the area communities.
Swanson was a member of a militia group in Texas while working there in the oil fields for a period of time. He joined with Holt because he liked his mission of the militia group.
“As a young man, I have seen more freedoms taken away over the last three generations, which includes my grandfather, my father, and myself,” Swanson said. “We have gotten to the point that we have lost so many rights that we are in an affront to what the Constitution says we should be as Americans. Our country has been so polarized; we need to come together as Americans under the Constitution. We have lost more rights in the last 60 years. We are losing rights every day, that is why I joined the militia.”
Holt stressed that he wanted the militia group to be more than a “disengaging” group. He envisions for it an active role in the community. “Take part in events, have clothing and food drives, be there when disaster hits,” he said. “We [also]want to prepare, plan, and be at the disposal of our first responders.”
He also stressed the need to know what the people’s rights are. “Defend our homestead, our livelihood,” he said.
Does the group support the men in blue, an audience member asked? Holt said he will have an open dialogue with all law enforcement, fire and emergency responders. “We want to work in conjunction with law enforcement,” he said adding. “community events so they know we are here.”
When asked from the crowd if there would be training, he said “yes.” According to Holt, volunteer training will include constitutional education, minor law, first-aid courses, communication systems, basic survival skills, disaster preparedness, and firearms training.
The group is still in its infant stages and looking to the older attendees to join and add their skills to form a well-rounded group that will grow throughout the state. For now Holt would like to have a solid start when attending a rally at the capital August 18th.
“It saddens me that we have come to this,” said Kevin, a Chester resident who also chose not to have his last name published. “We have come to a point that we need to be here.”
Holt was happy with the turnout, having hoped for 10 or 15 attendees.
For more information, visit Facebook 1stRVAVolunteerMilitia or e-mail [email protected].
