From left, Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, 52nd Adjutant General of Mississippi, his wife Robin Boyles, Congressman and Maj. Gen. Trent Kelly, Congressman Michael Guest, Mississippi’s Gov. Tate Reeves, Mississippi’s First Lady Elee Reeves, Vicki Ginn, and her husband Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn Jr., the 53rd Adjutant General of Mississippi, following an assumption of command ceremony at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson, Sept. 6, 2024, where Boyles relinquished command of the Mississippi National Guard to Ginn after eight years in that role. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Bill Valentine)
The Honorable Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi, and Commander-in-Chief of the Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) hosted an Assumption of Command ceremony at the State Capitol in Jackson, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.
On a rainy and cold-for-Mississippi day, hundreds of friends, colleagues, and family members filled the State Capitol building’s rotunda to witness an assumption of command ceremony welcoming the new adjutant general of Mississippi. Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the 52nd Adjutant General of Mississippi and Jackson native, relinquished command to Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn, Jr., a Tylertown native and the 53rd Adjutant General, during the ceremony.
The weeks-long planning and execution of the assumption of command was hurriedly moved from being a widespread outdoor ceremony to a consolidated outside ceremony conducted indoors less than 48 hours before the start of the event.
“I’d like to begin with a round of applause for the Mississippi National Guard Public Affairs and protocol teams, the 41st Army Band, the Honor Guard and the countless folks who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make today’s event happen,” said Boyles. “Thank you for all your hard work.”
Boyles began his military career in 1980, receiving the Oath of Enlistment from his father Derwood, while continuing his education at Mississippi State University where in 1982, he received his commission upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Standing in his hometown 44 years after joining the MSNG, Boyles reflected on his time in service and those who’ve helped him along the way.
“It has been an honor to serve alongside some of our greatest Mississippi military leaders. The support of my fellow active and retired adjutants general, our active and retired commanders in both the Army and Air Force, and leaders at every level,” he said. “The insight, advocacy and perspective you provide is a testament to the power of our nation and the Mississippi National Guard.”
Speaking to the governor, lieutenant governor, and state legislators, Boyles shared his gratitude for their leadership and support over the last eight years.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you, learn from you, and lead our state’s greatest treasure – Mississippi’s sons and daughters – the Mississippi National Guard. It has been a tremendous honor.”
Boyles became the 52nd Adjutant General of Mississippi, Sept. 1, 2016, with his initial appointment by Gov. Phil Bryant and reappointed by Gov. Tate Reeves, Jan. 14, 2020, to serve another term as the commanding general of both the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. Ginn is “all in” as the 53rd Adjutant General of Mississippi and is grateful for the chance to lead the MSNG into the future.
“Today is the opportunity of a lifetime – the peak of my career. We will continue to propel this organization forward in a way that the state of Mississippi can be proud of. ‘Your’ National Guard is a local force with a global reach, and they have demonstrated that tirelessly,” Ginn said. “The blueprint for the future of this organization starts with recognizing and honoring our past. I eagerly undertake the task of building on the foundation previously laid by the former 52 adjutants general.”
Ginn’s military service started in early 1990 as an enlisted soldier, later earning his commission as a logistics officer after graduating from Mississippi’s Officer Candidate School in 1993. From serving on a task force across the state following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to becoming the commander of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in 2017, Ginn has experienced a fair share of ups and downs, using the figurative rollercoaster to maintain his path forward.
“My father always told me that the most rewarding things would often be the most difficult,” said Ginn. “Through my own trials and triumphs as a soldier for 34 years, I have found this adage to be true. The road behind me has paved the way for the tasks ahead of me.”
Ginn says one of the main tasks he has moving forward is from the people aspect, taking care of those who serve to continuing improving on the Mississippi National Guard’s already strong footprint within the state and across the nation.
“Focusing on human capital, holistic health, and quality of life are the best ways to invest in my number one line of effort – the human dimension – to be ever mindful of the physical, cognitive, and social growth of the soldiers and airmen to maintain a healthy balance within our organization.”
A healthy balance that not only includes those who serve in uniform but their relationships with those who support the service members on the home front.
“This heavy load falls on our spouses and family members and directly affects the readiness and success of our members. We cannot do what we do without you, and I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to your service members and our organization.”
Closing out his speech to the crowd, Ginn reiterated his focus as the new Adjutant General and how the Mississippi National Guard will continue working tirelessly for the citizens of our state and nation.
“I want you all to know everything we, as leaders, do is done ultimately for the betterment of our soldiers, airmen, and their families. I believe this great nation will remain the land of the free, so long as we are the home of the brave.”