RICHMOND, Va. –
Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy M. Hawley took responsibility as the Virginia Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major from Command Sgt. Maj. Irving N. Reed Jr. during a ceremony March 1, 2025, at the Virginia National Guard Sgt. Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presided over the ceremony which included an exchange of colors representing the change of responsibility from Reed to Hawley as the VaARNG’s senior noncommissioned officer. Reed was also recognized for retiring with more than 38 years of service.
“I’m privileged to be a part of today's change of responsibility ceremony which is rich in symbolism, history and tradition, which illustrates the importance a commander places upon the position of a senior NCO in a formation,” Martin said. “It's the senior NCO more than any other who sets the example for other Soldiers to follow and is responsible for good order and discipline among the troops.”
Martin characterized Reed as a remarkable and humble servant-leader, and said he was grateful for Reed’s advice and insights as they served together as a command team different times over the last seven years.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Reed's career epitomizes the NCO experience and even as it's his story, it's also a story of the National Guard, full of achievements for which he can be very proud,” Martin said.
“These ceremonies are always bittersweet, but they are an integral part of our career path,” Reed said. “We are given the opportunity to serve in different leadership positions and before you know it, it's time to retire. I have been blessed to have been selected for positions that have allowed me to continue my military career. When I started on this journey, I never dreamed that it would bring me to this point.”
Reed said that as he relinquished responsibility as the Virginia Army National Guard State command sergeant major, it marked the end of a journey that started nearly forty years ago.
“It is impossible to accomplish an endeavor that lasts nearly forty years without the support of those you serve with, employers, and most importantly, families, friends and loved ones,” he said.
He recognized his parents and siblings, and especially his spouse, for all they had done to support his military career. He thanked his military family as well, recognizing the challenges they faced in training Soldiers and offered some advice.
“Make sure that you are part of the planning process, be in the room, don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions,” he said. “Be there, observe training, give sound, relevant advice and don't be afraid to say that you don't know. We have an exceptional NCO Corps but there is always room for improvement. Our Soldiers deserve the best that we can offer them.”
Reed said it has been “one hell of a ride,” but he wouldn’t change a thing.
“Even when it sucked, we found a way to make it fun,” he said. “That's what l'm going to miss the most, coming together, enduring the hardships and creating those bonds that last a lifetime.”
Martin congratulated Hawley on his selection for the challenging assignment as the Virginia Army National Guard’s senior enlisted leader.
“Your proven leadership and experience which started nearly 25 years ago as a military policeman on active duty and including multiple NCO assignments with MP, maintenance, cyber and most recently as CSM for the 29th Division have prepared you well for this opportunity,” Martin said. “You have consistently demonstrated excellence in your performance, and as a leader who works tirelessly for the betterment of this organization. You have proven yourself as a selfless, dedicated professional, and I look forward to breaking in a new battle buddy and as a command team how we may continue to guide and prepare the Virginia Army National Guard toward the future.”
Hawley echoed Reed’s remarks about the important role his family played in supporting him, and also thanked the senior leaders who gave him the opportunity to serve in the new duty position.
He said he planned to build on where Reed had left off with a focus on increasing state retention numbers and on professional education as well as making sure units are trained to standard and ready for large-scale combat operations.
“I will be asking a lot of you to step up into higher leadership roles and tackling hard problems,” Hawley told the NCOs in the room. “I need you all engaged. We will transform the Virginia Army National Guard into the Army of 2030 on the backs of the NCO corps. It’s what we do. NCOs are the backbone of the Army for a reason.”
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the event.