Crocker succeeds Huffman as SMR commander

Lt. Col. John R. Crocker succeeded Lt. Col. Emily Huffman as the commander of the Virginia National Guard’s State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during a ceremony Dec. 5, 2025. Col. Eric Quinn, Maneuver Training Center Fort Pickett garrison commander, presided over the change of command ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from Huffman to Crocker.

“Thanks to Lt. Col. Huffman for her tireless work and effort she invested here,” Crocker said. “To the staff, I look forward to the work we’ll be doing to maintain the installation so it remains a value-added facility for supporting relevant, realistic training in the ever-changing and increasing complex Virginia National Guard.  “I’m also looking forward to maintaining the effective relationships with community partners,” Crocker added. “There are a lot of different groups involved here at SMR across multiple components and multiple state agencies, as well as local organizations.”

Crocker also thanked his family for their support, as well as the VNG leadership for the opportunity to take command of SMR.

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Lt. Col. John R. Crocker succeeds Lt. Col. Emily Huffman as the commander of the Virginia National Guard’s State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during a ceremony Dec. 5, 2025.