RICHMOND, Va. –
Brig. Gen. Dennis Rohler took the reins as the Virginia National Guard’s Land Component Commander during a ceremony July 11, 2026, at the VNG Sergeant John Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presided over the ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from Brig. Gen. Charles Martin Jr. to Rohler. Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Hawley, the Virginia Army National Guard’s command sergeant major, was the keeper of the colors.
Rohler was promoted from colonel to brigadier general during a ceremony the previous day at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia, with his new rank pinned on by his family.
“We are thankful and fortunate for Brig. Gen. Rohler coming in as the next Land Component Commander,” Ring said. “He will bring leadership, his skills and the sum of his ability he’s knitted together for 40 years, starting as an enlisted Airman in the active-duty Air Force, to officer candidate school and commissioning in to the Virginia National Guard. General Rohler is equipped to lead the Virginia Army National Guard, and we look forward to what he does in that role.”
“Thirty years ago, I joined the Virginia Army National Guard looking for a way to continue serving. What I found was a calling, a community, and a purpose that shaped my life,” said Rohler. “It is the privilege of my career to serve as Land Component Commander, continuing to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.”
The official party of Ring, Rohler and Martin was delivered to the ceremony in an antique M151A2 Army utility truck, restored by retired Chief Warrant officer 4 Al Barnes, the VNG command historian, and a team of retiree volunteers known as the Friends of the Guard. The jeep was driven by Lt. Col. Ryan Strait, deputy VaARNG chief of staff.
The ceremony also marked Martin’s retirement after a 32-year career in the VNG, originally enlisting as an infantryman before completing Officer Candidate School and commissioning as an engineer officer. He has served as the LCC since January 2024. During the retirement portion of the ceremony, Ring presented Rohler with the Army Distinguished Service Medal and a letter of commendation from Gov. Abigail Spanberger. He also received retirement gifts on behalf of Virginia National Guard major subordinate commands.
“After more than 32 years of service, I wear this uniform today for the last time,” said Martin during his remarks. “Looking back on my journey that began as a young Soldier in Charlie Company, 1-183rd Infantry, and concludes as the Assistant-Adjutant General and Land Component Commander – I’m filled with a sense of profound gratitude and pride. Gratitude for the continuous opportunities I’ve had to develop and grow throughout my career, and most importantly for the deep and lasting friendships that have developed over the course of my service. There’s also been pride in serving with so many Soldiers, NCOs, officers and civilians whose selfless service patriotism and professionalism have inspired me over the years.”
“Brig. Gen. Martin, we thank you for your distinguished service as a true Citizen-Soldier,” said Ring. “You have brought to the mission command of the Virginia National Guard tremendous distinction throughout your career, starting first as an engineer officer and then serving at various levels of mission command.”
Ring also thanked Martin’s family for their service during his career.
“Thank you for your service over the decades,” Ring said. “Those are minutes, hours, days and aggregate years you have given in service to the commonwealth and the nation, and we thank you for that.”
Rohler made his priorities as the LCC clear, focusing on resilience and engaging all aspects of who makes the Guard successful.
“I am committed to ensuring the highest level of resiliency for our members, and every decision I will make as the LCC will weigh the effects on the mission – the individual, the families and the employers,” said Rohler. “We will take a whole of individual approach when considering all decisions in the Virginia Army National Guard – and we will change with the times.”
He also thanked his employer, as well as his wife, Virginia National Guard Col. Juanita Rohler.
“I am thankful for the full support of my employer and the entire team at Valid Evaluation, Inc., who make this possible,” Rohler said. “I am most grateful for my wife Juanita Rohler and our family, who have walked this journey with me. Team Rohler!”
Leader biographies:
Brig. Gen. Dennis Rohler is a Logistics Officer in the Virginia Army National Guard, most recently serving as the traditional Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, G-3. In his civilian capacity, he serves as the Vice President of Business Development for Valid Evaluation Inc., and previously served as Director, Current Operations Support, in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War (Materiel Readiness).
After graduating High School in Germany, Rohler enlisted into the active duty Air Force in 1986, serving four years as an airfield management specialist and participating in Operation Just Cause in Panama. After moving to Virginia, he joined the Petersburg Bureau of Police in 1991. After eight years of service, he was promoted to Senior Police Officer. While serving in Petersburg, Rohler was also a member of the Virginia Army National Guard and in 1999 accepted an Active Guard and Reserve position. In 2000, Rohler attended the Virginia Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, Class 43, and was commissioned as second lieutenant in 2001. Rohler commanded at the company, battalion and brigade level and held multiple staff positions at every echelon up to the Division level, including the Executive Officer for the first Army National Guard Cyber Brigade. He deployed to Kandahar and Shindand Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010-2011, to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield from 2014-2015 and as a Battalion Commander in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from 2018-2019 where his Battalion was in 14 locations throughout Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Kuwait. Rohler is a 2022 graduate of The U.S. Army War College. He holds a Bachelor of Business Management from St. Leo University, a Master of Business Administration from Grantham University and a Master of Strategic Studies from The U.S. Army War College.
Rohler’s major awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit for Brigade Command, Bronze Star Medal for service as battalion commander during Operation Inherent Resolve, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, and The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge - Gold. Brigadier General is married to his loving wife Juanita, who is also a Virginia Army National Guard colonel, and they have five children.
Brig. Gen. Charles Martin joined the Virginia Army National Guard in 1994, serving first as an infantryman, before graduating from Virginia Officer Candidate School and being commissioned as an Engineer Officer in 1996. During his 32 years of military service, Martin served in key command and staff positions, to include engineer company commander, brigade engineer officer, battalion executive officer, 29th Infantry Division G5 chief of plans, engineer battalion commander, 183rd RTI commander and primary joint staff assignments at Joint Forces Headquarters – Virginia, most recently as the Land Component Commander. Martin is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Service Staff School, Intermediate Level Education Course and Joint Combined Warfare School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Longwood College and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2018. He completed the NORTHCOM Dual Status Commander Course in 2022 and is a recent graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government program in Leadership in Homeland Security. Martin’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with M device), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge.
In his civilian career, Martin has worked for Altria in Richmond, Virginia for 25 years, including leadership and management positions in manufacturing, government affairs, and corporate citizenship. He is married to his wife of 32 years and has two adult sons.