CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey presided over a formal Assumption of Command ceremony for Maj. Gen. James “Jim” Seward as he undertook the role and responsibilities of The Adjutant General for the West Virginia National Guard at McLaughlin Air National Guard base in Charleston, West Virginia, Apr. 2, 2025.
The Assumption of Command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which recognizes the responsibility, authority and accountability of a commander. It’s a formal demonstration of respect to leadership and the Chain of Command for a military organization. Seward assumes command of the WVNG, comprised of more than 6,400 Soldiers, Airmen and civilians, as the organization undergoes a strategic transition in line with recent Interim National Defense Strategy Guidance issued by the Secretary of Defense.
“I could not have made a better choice for TAG,” said Morrisey. “Maj. Gen. Seward is a mission-focused leader. He is wholly committed to service and professionalism; I have watched first-hand his leadership ability during our recent flooding in southern West Virginia. He will provide command guidance and vision to our Guard that aligns perfectly with my and President Trump’s priorities.”
“Under Maj. Gen. Seward’s leadership, West Virginians can expect nothing but the best,” Morrisey added.
“I am honored and humbled to assume command of the WVNG,” said Seward. “Command is not just a transition of leadership; it’s an opportunity to reaffirm what we believe in and what we know, what we stand for, and what the future demands of us.”
In addition to formally assuming command of the WVNG, Seward was also appointed to Major General during the ceremony.
Morrisey and Seward were joined by numerous special guests including West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey, the Governor’s Chief of Staff Tom McCaffrey, Frank Vitale the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, Jonny Ross, West Virginia Ambassador to the U.S. Army Reserves, representatives from the West Virginia Congressional delegation, Seward’s wife Leslie Seward, his mother Sally, his sister Kim Maskell, and cousins John and Kris Pierce. Many additional special guests were in attendance as well as a full contingent of Soldiers and Airmen of the WVNG.
After thanking those in attendance at the ceremony, Seward directed his comments to the men and women of the WVNG.
“Our National Guard legacy is written in blood, sweat and perseverance,” said Seward. “We defend our homeland and help our fellow citizens in times of crisis.”
“Today, that same warrior ethos is deeply rooted in military traditions and focused on a relentless pursuit of excellence, a refusal to quit, and an absolute commitment to our teammates,” he said. “It remains our foundation.”
Seward emphasized the opportunity within the organization’s strategic transition.
“At this very crucial moment in our Nation’s history, we have a great opportunity to reset and reclaim the warrior spirit that has always made our country a great place to live,” said Seward. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Governor Morrisey, we are witnessing a renewed focus on strength and sovereignty.”
Through unwavering dedication, persistence and determination, Seward said he believes the WVNG will remain the most highly trained, lethal and ready force, ever prepared to win the nation’s wars.
“It’s a great honor to assume the role of adjutant general,” said Seward, “and I am humbled to serve the members of the West Virginia National Guard and all citizens of West Virginia in our shared shining state in the mountains. Press on!”
Seward is a decorated military veteran with extensive military, government and private sector experience. He was named as the 37th Adjutant General by Governor Morrisey on Jan. 30, 2025, assuming command from the recently retired Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Crane who had served in the position since 2021.
Seward has more than three decades of military service and comes to West Virginia from the Kansas National Guard. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and served on the border with East Germany in the Fulda Gap during the Cold War as an Active Duty Army enlisted M1 tanker. Seward’s extensive military career dates from 1987 when he first served as an Active Duty enlisted Soldier with the 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and later as an officer within the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corp in the South Dakota National Guard.
In his civilian career, Seward worked as the director for the Veterans Justice Commission, a nonpartisan policy think tank that assesses the risk factors that drive veterans’ justice-system involvement, the adequacy of transitional assistance for military service members as they reenter civilian life, and the effectiveness of the justice system response when veterans break the law. Seward also previously held positions with Black Hills Energy, as general counsel for the Governor of South Dakota from 2010-2016, and served as a chief prosecutor for the State’s Attorney Office in Butte County, South Dakota.