CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Justice announced that Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, will be retiring from his post in the WVNG, but will continue to serve the state through a new role at West Virginia University.
“Major General Hoyer has spent almost 40 years in uniform and almost 10 years as the Adjutant General of our National Guard. He and his wife Amy have spent their entire life together in military service,” Gov. Justice said. “The general and I had a conversation very recently where he expressed his desire to retire from uniform, but that he wanted to continue to serve the state.
“He also told me he wanted to continue to be a part of my leadership team leading our COVID response and preparing for vaccine distribution. I agreed that we would develop a plan for him to play a key role working for me but in a different status,” Gov. Justice continued. “Many of you know that General Hoyer was also a key part of my team that helped convince Virgin Hyperloop to come to West Virginia, and we will need his leadership to bring this to fruition and develop the other unique opportunities that will come with it. The general has also been a leader in our efforts to repurpose surface mine sites and leverage the capabilities of the coal industry for national security efforts. I want him to continue to grow these defense opportunities for our state. So, we worked with Dr. Gee at West Virginia University to establish an opportunity for General Hoyer to continue his work with me and my administration.”
Gov. Justice announced that General Hoyer will serve as a Senior Associate Vice President at WVU as he carries out these duties.
“He will be the leader of our Joint Interagency Task Force on Vaccination, he will continue to be a key member of my COVID-19 Advisory Team, and he will also help me work on important economic development projects,” Gov. Justice said. “He has and continues to be a great friend and a great leader for our state. Cathy and I are excited for him and his wife as they take on this new chapter of their lives and as General Hoyer continues to serve with me to move West Virginia forward.”
“Governor, while I may be changing uniforms, my intent is to still work with you to take care of the people of West Virginia and figure out how to do more to help our state,” Hoyer said. “I could never ever thank you enough for the confidence you’ve placed in me to lead the Guard, but more importantly, to be a part of the team doing great things for West Virginia.”
Gov. Justice went on to announce that, at the recommendation of Maj. Gen. Hoyer, he is appointing Brig. Gen. Bill Crane to serve as the new Adjutant General to lead the West Virginia National Guard.
This transition will occur on January 4, 2021.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement congratulating Adjutant General James Hoyer on his retirement from the National Guard.
“West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General James Hoyer has served West Virginia and the United States admirably during his 37 years of service and while we are sad to see him leave, his retirement from the Guard is well-earned. I had the pleasure of working with General Hoyer for decades including when I served as Governor and throughout my time serving West Virginia, and I am honored to call him a dear friend to this day. General Hoyer has led the 6,500 men and women of the West Virginia National Guard well and I know they will miss his leadership and guidance. I am incredibly thankful that General Hoyer will be continuing his service to the Mountain State as he begins a new chapter at West Virginia University. I thank General Hoyer and his wife Amy for their decades of service and dedication to our nation and West Virginia and wish them well as they start this new chapter.”
