CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The new commander of the West Virginia Army National Guard says he always has three key things on his mind: his family, his state, and his country.
Col. Robert Kincaid pledged to keep those three in mind as he elevates into a new role. He became the new state Army National Guard commander Saturday at a special ceremony in Charleston. Gov. Patrick Morrisey was on hand for the proceedings at the 130th Airlift Wing Hangar.
Kincaid replaces Brigadier General “Gene” Holt, who was honored at the ceremony for his retirement. Kincaid served most recently as special assistant to state Adjutant General Jim Seward.
Kincaid entered into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in April 2002. His impressive career also included a stint as West Virginia Army National Guard Chief of Staff. He said he can look out for his family, state, and country by serving.
“I get to help, protect, and stabilize, whether it’s through flood duties or anything that we’ve been called to do in this great state,” Kincaid said. “Just like we’re doing up in Upshur and Lewis counties right now, with our soldiers and airmen being out there, helping those great citizens.”
Kincaid served as the 20th Engineer Battalion’s Assistant Operations Officer in Iraq from 2004-05. He said he’s proud to have served the country.
“My country calling me up to go over to the Middle East or any of the places that I’ve been in 32 years,” Kincaid said. “Whatever position I’ve been put into as I’ve moved through the ranks, I’ve just embraced it.”
Kincaid earned two master’s degrees, an M.B.A. from West Virginia University and a Master of Strategic Studies from U.S. Army War College, two other degrees from WVU and the Community College of the Air Force, along with many other certifications over the years.
“I always wanted to be a Battalion Commander, but obviously I’ve stepped past that in my career,” Kincaid said. “I just think being invested in wherever they put me to do those three things have brought me blessings and success along the way.”
The West Virginia Army National Guard has been called to aid flood-ravaged central West Virginia in the aftermath of the July flooding. Kincaid said it’s commonplace for them to be called up for flood and debris removal once or twice a year; it’s in his wheelhouse. He said he’s grateful for his time in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers during his career as well.
He said West Virginia’s armed forces never hesitate to answer the call, whether it’s to deploy in Middle East, Europe, or Africa.
“West Virginia National Guard, from an Air and an Army perspective, is one of the most well-respected organizations throughout the country,” Kincaid said. “We get a lot of calls to do things in the nation’s capital region, at the border; we don’t shy away from anything that the president or Congress asks us to do.”
Kincaid will ascend to Brigadier General. His promotion order came in August 1 and his family will be there August 14 for a pinning ceremony. He has four children with his wife, Christine.
Needless to say, Kincaid has put together a highly decorated career with numerous ribbons and medals over the years. He deflected all the praise to those who he has served with.
“To look at me, and it’s a very small percentage of officers in the Army that make it to general officer, but all the credit goes to my brothers and sisters in arms,” Kincaid said. “Especially here in West Virginia.”