Ceremony honors Epperly’s 36 years of military service
Family and friends celebrate Maj. Gen. John M. Epperly’s 36 years of military service during his retirement ceremony Sep. 20, 2025, at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presided over the ceremony. Epperly began his military career in 1989 upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served nine years of active duty as an Armor officer before joining the Virginia Guard and branch transferring to the Infantry. While in the Virginia Army Guard, Epperly held command at every level from company to division. His deployments include Operation Vigilant Relief, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. His more recent positions include commander of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division from 2018 to 2020, deputy commanding general, Army National Guard for Army Futures Command from 2020 to 2023 and special assistant to the director, Army National Guard for Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee from 2023 to 2025. The 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for event. (Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Alexa Carlo-Hickman)
Ceremony honors Epperly’s 36 years of military service
Family and friends celebrate Maj. Gen. John M. Epperly’s 36 years of military service during his retirement ceremony Sep. 20, 2025, at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presided over the ceremony. Epperly began his military career in 1989 upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served nine years of active duty as an Armor officer before joining the Virginia Guard and branch transferring to the Infantry. While in the Virginia Army Guard, Epperly held command at every level from company to division. His deployments include Operation Vigilant Relief, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. His more recent positions include commander of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division from 2018 to 2020, deputy commanding general, Army National Guard for Army Futures Command from 2020 to 2023 and special assistant to the director, Army National Guard for Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee from 2023 to 2025. The 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for event. (Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Alexa Carlo-Hickman)