West Virginia National Guard Welcomes New Adjutant General at Assumption of Command Ceremony

The West Virginia National Guard welcomed their new Adjutant General during an Assumption of Command ceremony at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base on Wednesday.

James "Jim" Seward, who was promoted from the rank of brigadier general to major general during the ceremony, took command of the WVNG earlier this year. Maj. Gen. Seward now serves as the 37th Adjutant General, commanding the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard, as well as the West Virginia Military Authority.

Governor Patrick Morrisey, the commander-in-chief of the West Virginia National Guard, spoke during the event. As part of the ceremony, the “passing of the colors” occurred, in which the senior enlisted leader, Command Sergeant Major James D. Jones, presented the colors to Gov. Morrisey, who then passed the colors to new Adjutant General, symbolizing a trust in Seward’s ability to command the WVNG. Following the passing of the colors, Brig. Gen. Seward was formally appointed to Maj. Gen. in the West Virginia National Guard. Gov. Morrisey and Maj. Gen. Seward’s wife Leslie then pinned Seward with his second star, reflecting the new rank.

Seward then gave remarks at the ceremony, emphasizing a “warrior ethos” for the WVNG and a focus on combat readiness and lethality, saying they “strive to be the most highly trained and well-equipped military unit in the nation”. Seward stated that now is “a chance to reset, to reclaim the warrior spirit that really drives us and that has always made our country a great place to live”. He spoke positively about the direction of Gov. Morrisey and President Trump, saying that under the two’s leadership “we’re witnessing a renewed focus on strength, sovereignty, and the values that built America”.

Watch video from the full Assumption of Command ceremony here: