FORT BARFOOT, Va. –
Lt. Col. Eric M. Johnson took command of the Fort Barfoot-based Virginia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion from Lt. Col. Kim D. Wynn during a ceremony Dec. 4, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presided over the ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from Wynn to Johnson, and Sgt. Maj. Jessica Dickenson, RRB command sergeant major, was the keeper of the colors.
“R&R is the most strategic of the battalion commands,” Martin said. “It is tied directly to the health and future of the organization as we identify, attract and retain the talented Soldiers and leaders in the organization.”
Martin recognized several important accomplishments from Wynn’s time as commander.
“You have been extraordinarily successful in not only meeting the recruiting mission, but also in mentoring and developing future leaders across the formation,” he said.
Martin said Wynn grew the pool of recruiters by more than 30 percent, helping align people resources toward the goal of building and maintaining a relevant force. Under Wynn’s leadership, the officer strength management branch increased accessions by 30 percent and exceeded National Guard Bureau mission goals.
He also recognized Wynn for building the right culture in the battalion and strengthening relationship with the major subordinate commanders that resulted in a marked improvement on how units identify and retain talent.
“Thank you for your hard work, dedication to duty and commitment to excellence that has helped drive progress against our most important objectives,” he said.
Martin congratulated Johnson on his selection to command.
“Your tremendous experience gained in command and key staff assignments throughout your career have prepared you well for this opportunity,” he said. “You have consistently demonstrated excellence in your performance, and as a leader who works tirelessly for the betterment of this organization and particularly in helping to develop and mentor both peers and subordinates.”
Martin acknowledged the important role of family in the success of both incoming and outgoing commanders, and both Wynn and Johnson also stressed how loved ones have been a source of support, strength and counsel.
“I also want to recognize family members who are here today, for providing the love and support that has helped to sustain these leaders over the course of their careers,” he said.
Wynn told Johnson he was walking into the best battalion in the Virginia Army National Guard and reflected on the rebuilding that took place after she took command.
She said that once the team was in place, RRB began their “Wynning Season,” where they assessed more than 2,000 Solders into the VaARNG, retained 1,200 Soldiers and spent more than $119,000 on the Referral Enlistment Program.
Wynn recounted the advice she received from the battalion sergeant major and how her command inventory gave her the opportunity to meet and interact with recruiters operating across the state. She also spent time with recruiters at the events they hosted where she observed, listened and discussed ways to make their jobs easier.
She stressed the importance of learning from the experience of the noncommissioned officer recruiters in the battalion.
“This is an absolute must,” she said. “Listen to the NCOs. This is the only command that you can possibly have no experience from previous jobs. I listened to the NCOs and what they needed to be successful. I understood that as an officer, I would move on to my next assignment, but the recruiters would remain and carry on the traditions of this great battalion.”
Johnson expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to command the battalion and pledged to be a voice of concern and reasoning, to be in a position to garner resources recruiters need to be successful and be directly responsible for Soldier care. He said he believes in the Army’s “People Strategy” and the importance of acquiring, developing, employing and retaining talent.
Johnson said RRB’s mission to support the readiness of the VaARNG by meeting the organization’s end strength object is no small task.
“I am confident that with the dedication and passion of the men and women of this battalion, we will rise and meet every challenge,” he said.
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the event.