Virginia National Guard Air Component Commander assumes command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kellyann Novak
  • 192nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SANDSTON, Va. --  SANDSTON, Va. – Members of the Virginia National Guard welcome newly-promoted Air Force Brig. Gen. Marshall L. Kjelvik as the incoming Air Component Commander during a promotion and assumption of command ceremony Dec. 7, 2017, at Joint Force Headquarters-Virginia in Sandston, Virginia.

Army Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presided over the ceremony and later stated, “It’s truly an honor and privilege to be a part of today’s promotion. Brig. Gen. Kjelvik is a great officer and leader with a solid track record of innovation and determination. I know he will lead the Virginia Air National Guard to new heights!”

After Williams’ opening remarks, Kjelvik was promoted from colonel to brigadier general. Kjelvik’s wife, Jennifer, joined Williams in the pinning of Kjelvik’s new rank insignia.

“The use of the star to signify the rank of a general officer can be traced to a June 1780 decree by Gen. George Washington during the war of American independence,” said Air Force Capt. Fallon Martin, narrator of the ceremony. “The star is the oldest continually used rank in the United States’ military.”

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jay Ellis, Virginia State Command Chief, and Master Sgt. Cynthia Meekins, Human Resource Specialist (Information Systems), assisted in the presentation of the personal colors to Kjelvik. Ellis unfurled the encased flag of a United States Air Force brigadier general. This flag will be present at all official military functions officiated by Kjelvik and visibly displayed in the general’s office.

After Kjelvik stated, “I assume command,” Williams presented him with the one-star flag and administered the oath of office. Kjelvik’s oath and acceptance of the flag signified his acceptance of his new grade and position as ACC, Virginia Air National Guard.

As the ACC, Kjelvik is responsible for leading the Virginia Air National Guard, assisting and empowering Virginia Airmen in executing their respective plans, programs and missions. He analyzes and evaluates training programs and operational readiness levels to determine mission capability and unit effectiveness. He is the primary advisor to the Adjutant General of Virginia on ANG state and federal readiness.

“It is a privilege and an honor to serve the VANG as the Air Component Commander. The Virginia ANG is a diverse team serving in multiple missions with a bright future,” said Kjelvik.

Kjelvik enlisted in 1982 and earned his commission as a distinguished graduate of the ANG Academy of Military Science in 1984. He transferred from the North Dakota ANG to the VaANG in 2007 and has served in numerous command and staff positions. As an instructor/evaluator and command pilot with over 2,800 flying hours in the F-16 and F-4, Kjelvik served as commander of the 192nd Mission Support Group at Langley Air Force Base prior to his most recent position as the VaANG Director of Staff.