The Virginia National Guard’s Col. Benjamin Sprouse is promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony May 3, 2026, at the VNG’s Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office, and Spouse’s wife and children pinned his new rank. Sprouse, a former Virginia National Guard state chaplain, currently serves as the National Guard Bureau’s Joint Chaplain, Director of the Office of the Joint Chaplain. The 29th Infantry Division Band performed music for the ceremony.