RICHMOND, Va. –
New senior noncommissioned officers are taking responsibility at the Virginia Army National Guard’s 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team and 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute and the Virginia Air National Guard’s 192nd Wing, according to announcements made by Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy M. Hawley, state command sergeant major, also announced new senior enlisted leaders for multiple battalions in the Virginia Army National Guard.
Command Sgt. Maj. Benzie Timberlake took responsibility as the 116th MBCT command sergeant major effective November 1, 2025, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Gardner will become the 183rd RTI command sergeant major effective Jan. 1, 2026. Chief Master Sgt. Jasen Hendricksen will take responsibility as the 192nd Wing command chief effective Jan. 10, 2026.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Timberlake brings a wealth of experience in leader development and tactical proficiency,” Ring said in the announcement. “His proven leadership and dedication to Soldier welfare will be instrumental in fostering a climate of excellence and ensuring the 116th MBCT remains prepared to accomplish any mission.”
Timberlake succeeded Command Sgt. Maj. Latane Gilliam. He previously served as the senior enlisted leader for the Kentucky National Guard’s 75th Troop Command and 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 116th IBCT.
“CSM Gardner’s proven leadership and dedication to Soldier welfare will foster a climate of excellence and ensure the 183rd RTI remains prepared to accomplish any mission,” Ring said.
Gardner succeeds Command Sgt. Maj. David A. Abbey. He previously served as the senior enlisted leader for the 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th IBCT.
“Chief Master Sgt. Hendricksen is the most qualified candidate for 192d Wing Command Chief due to his depth of experience both in the Army and Air National Guard,” Ring said. “As the 192nd Maintenance Group senior enlisted leader, Hendricksen played a pivotal role in ensuring readiness across a combined formation of Active Duty and Air National Guard personnel supporting F-22 fighter sortie generation and sustainment operations. He brings an expeditionary approach t o the 192d Wing that will ensure mission readiness while enhancing Airmen retention through clearly aligned tasks and purpose.”
Hendricksen succeeds Chief Master Sgt. Sean. J. Fretwell.
Hawley announced the following battalion senior enlisted leader assignments:
First Sgt. Derek Wells took responsibility as the 124th Cyber Protection Battalion, 91st Cyber Brigade command sergeant major, effective Dec. 1, 2025.
Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Gowdie will take responsibility as the 123rd Cyber Protection Battalion, 91st Cyber Brigade command sergeant major, effective Jan. 15, 2026.
Sgt. Maj. Denver Claywell will take responsibility as the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th MBCT command sergeant major, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Master Sgt. Benjamin Lehmer will take responsibility as the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th MBCT command sergeant major, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Sgt. Maj. Antwon Morris will take responsibility as the 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group command sergeant major, effective Feb. 1, 2026.