FORT BARFOOT, Va. –
In another historic moment for one Virginia National Guard family, Col. Juanita Rohler took command of the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group from Col. Dennis Rohler, her husband, Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The 329th also welcomed a new senior enlisted leader when Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Viera accepted responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Brian H. Coleman.
Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., the Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presided over the change of command ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command.
“The tradition and symbolism of today's ceremony is very profound,” Martin said. “Because even as unit personnel come and go, including commanders, the colors and the unit mission are enduring.”
Martin praised the outgoing command team on their many accomplishments.
“You've been extraordinarily successful in not only meeting the unit mission but also in mentoring and developing the future leaders of this formation,” Martin said. “Your team built a positive culture, raised morale and esprit de corps, and that's reflected in the Soldiers that are here today.”
Martin finished by stating his confidence in the incoming team's ability to uphold the high standards set by Rohler and Coleman.
Coleman took the podium next and expressed his gratitude to the Soldiers of the brigade for the learning experience.
“I joined as a military policeman, and it’s been my only MOS [military occupational specialty],” Coleman stated. “But I have learned so much being the CSM [command sergeant major] of this brigade.”
From driving 18-wheelers delivering ammunition, to breaching doors and erecting wash facilities, conducting quarry operations, along with the myriad of other tasks that the 329th accomplishes; Coleman professed his thanks to the units for allowing him to come into their space and learn from their expertise.
With family and fellow Soldiers looking on, outgoing commander Col. Dennis Rohler said, “This is what it feels like to be surrounded by support. Support to the left, support to the right, and support in the front.”
He thanked senior leaders in attendance for the opportunity and trust they have placed in him over the years. He also acknowledged the support of his family, civilian employers and all the mentors that have assisted him throughout his career.
“Nobody ever said join the National Guard because it's easy,” he said. “You balance the demands of your military career, your family, your education, your civilian career, and at the same time, you demonstrate incredible resilience and dedication.”
Rohler acknowledged the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, who took responsibility for logistics, maintenance, and supply missions based at Forward Operating Site Karliki, Poland, in March 2024.
“The next time that this brigade comes together, that third battalion guidon will be here and we will be whole again,” he said. “They have executed phenomenally (while deployed) in support all across Europe.”
He spoke to the many missions accomplished by the brigade, the staff's dedication, expertise and support, and thanked the Soldiers for their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment.
“I am forever in your debt,” he said. “I will always stand in awe of you as individuals and as a collective team.”
The outgoing command team were presented framed guidons of the brigade for their service.
Viera, the incoming senior enlisted leader, spoke next, thanking the outgoing leadership for their assistance with the transition and his family and wife for their unwavering support.
“One lesson I hold dear is that if we take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themselves,” Viera said. “Leadership means holding ourselves and each other accountable. Remember that true leadership isn't about being liked or being popular. It's about earning respect through actions and upholding standards that inspire unity, trust, and confidence.”
Finally, incoming commander, Col. Juanita Rohler addressed the audience.
“As I step into this role, I am acutely aware of the trust placed in me and the responsibilities that come with it,” she said. “I accept this challenge with humility and steadfast determination.”
She spoke of the unique situation of their family, and promised to balance their needs with the requirements, duty, and obligations that come with brigade command.
Rohler also addressed the Soldiers of the 329th. “To every member of our team, from the newest recruits to the most seasoned veterans, I want you to know that you are the heart and soul of this organization,” she said. “Your dedication, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to our mission are what makes us who we are. Together, we will build on the strong legacy of those who came before us and chart a new course for a brighter future. As we begin this new chapter, I pledge to lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to our core values.”
Rohler served in the 329th while enlisted as a truck driver, as battalion commander of the 529th CSSB, as well as the support operations officer for the 329th headquarters.
“I'm excited to be home. Let's look forward to the journey ahead and the great things that we'll accomplish. 329th, let's get to work.”
This is the second time this Virginia National Guard couple has had the unique distinction of command exchange. In December 2019, Col. Juanita Rohler succeeded her husband, Col. Dennis Rohler, in command of the 529th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion.
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the event.