A Virginia Army National Guard unit has received the Guard's top readiness award.

The Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Brigade Combat Team received the Walter T. Kerwin Jr. Readiness Award this week at a luncheon in Washington, D.C.

Lt. Col. William Zana, the unit's executive officer, says the unit was recognized for its ability to respond in times of need.

The unit served in Afghanistan in 2004 and 2005 and in Iraq and Kuwait in 2007 and 2008.