FORT PICKETT, Va. –
Col. Alyssa Y. Astphan took command of the Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group from Col. Juanita Rohler during a ceremony held April 19, 2026, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., the Virginia Army National Guard’s Land Component Commander, presided over the ceremony and exchange of unit colors that signified the transfer of command from Rohler to Astphan.
“Col. Rohler and Col. Astphan represent decades of combined knowledge and experience, and I’m grateful for each of you for your faithful and dedicated service to the Virginia Army National Guard,” Martin said during his remarks, noting that only six officers in the entire organization serve at that level.
Martin noted that during Rohler’s time in command, multiple units mobilized, deployed and redeployed, “supporting units across multiple theaters.” Standards for training, retention and strength were all exceeded, Martin said, adding that the unit has a current retention rate of 83% and a strength of 1,700 Soldiers, exceeding the 1,587 requirement.
“Thank you for your extraordinary efforts,” Martin said to Rohler. “You’ve contributed in so many ways to the success of this institution and the Virginia Army National Guard.”
Martin then commended Astphan on her “tremendous experience,” and on the success she achieved in previously-help command and key staff assignments.
“I’m confident you’ll continue to uphold the high standards that were established by the previous command team and lead the RSG to even higher accomplishments,” Martin said.
Following his remarks, Martin presented Rohler with a Legion of Merit in recognition of her success during her time commanding the 329th RSG.
“Standing here, I’m struck by the immense weight of the honor that it has been to lead this organization,” Rohler said. After thanking her family, leaders and members of her staff, she noted the many successes of the 329th’s downtrace units, highlighting their missions in places like South Korea, Germany, Finland and Tajikistan, the Horn of Africa and at home in Virginia, as well as their support to other units in the state, including the 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team.
“To the Soldiers, you are the heart of the 329th. The amount of work we ask you to do, the number of missions we are called to do, some anticipated, some not, is truly staggering. […] I am forever proud and grateful. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your commander.”
Following her remarks, units presented her with gifts in recognition of her support, after which Astphan took to the lectern.
“I know that I am inheriting an exceptionally well-led and well-cared-for organization from a supremely talented leader,” Astphan said. “To the Soldiers of the 329th, I am honored to lead you, and I am so very proud to call myself your commander. I’m ready to get to work, and I am excited to see what we’re going to be able to accomplish together.”
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the event.