GRAFTON, W.Va. –
1st Lt. Benjamin Augustus Flohr, a Grafton, West Virginia native, has served in the West Virginia Army National Guard for four years. As a scout platoon leader in C Troop, 1st Battalion, 150th Cavalry Regiment, Flohr is responsible for the training, coordination, organization and overall effectiveness of 1st Platoon.
Flohr’s military career also includes a brief assignment as the distribution platoon leader for D Company, 1-150th. In this role, he ensured the coordination, organization and efficiency of critical refueling and ammunition drops for the unit.
A graduate of Marshall University, Flohr holds a bachelor’s degree in history with minors in military history and communication. Outside of his military service, he is a full-time cattle farmer and operates a livestock feed production business, reflecting his passion for agriculture. His personal goal is to create a recognizable agricultural business brand.
Flohr brings a unique ability to quickly adapt to rapidly developing situations while maintaining a level-headed approach. This adaptability has earned him recognition as a valuable asset to his unit.
Like many in the military, Flohr comes from a family with a strong history of service. His father served as an active-duty officer for nearly 30 years, his sister served as a captain and medical doctor for five years, and his brother is currently an active-duty major stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas. With such a rich family legacy, it is no surprise that Flohr facetiously refers to joining the military as continuing the “family business.”
Looking ahead, Flohr has professional military goals of attaining the rank of captain and eventually moving into a full-time position with the National Guard. He also plans to take advantage of the National Guard’s education programs to pursue a master’s degree, furthering his knowledge and skills both in and outside the military.
In his free time, Flohr enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding and hunting. These pursuits, combined with his farming background, reflect his strong connection to the land and his commitment to living a life that values hard work and nature.
When asked about his proudest moments, Flohr points to his family and their accomplishments. He is particularly proud of the day his daughter was born, which he considers the best day of his life. His favorite memory in the WVARNG, however, is more tactical: leading a section of his platoon in an OPFOR night ambush on an enemy tank platoon during a training exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia, an experience that cemented his love for military strategy and leadership.
For Flohr, the best part of the WVARNG is the people. He considers himself fortunate to have worked alongside many fantastic individuals, attributing much of his success to the guidance and mentorship he has received. His advice to others considering joining the WVARNG is to surround themselves with experienced and knowledgeable individuals, leveraging their expertise to further their own development while helping others in the same way.
At 25 years old, Flohr continues to serve with distinction, balancing his military responsibilities with his passion for agriculture and family life. His dedication to both his profession and his personal goals is a testament to his character and leadership, making him a valuable member of the West Virginia Army National Guard.