Maj. Gen. Lapthe Flora celebrates more than 36 years of military service with family, friends and fellow service members at a retirement ceremony April 12, 2024, at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presided over the ceremony. He presented Flora with a Certificate of Appreciation from the President of the United States, a Certificate of Retirement signed by the Chief of Staff of the Army, a Certificate of Service signed by the Chief of National Guard Bureau and the Virginia Distinguished Service Medal. Ring also presented a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Chief of Staff of the Army to Thuy Flora. Chief Master Sgt. Kelly B. Reich, the Virginia National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader, assisted the Flora family and Ring with furling Flora’s general officer flag symbolizing his retirement. Read more about Flora’s personal story at https://ngpa.us/29243 and his leadership philosophy at https://ngpa.us/29244. (U.S. National Guard photo by Cotton Puryear)