Governor-elect Matt Meyer has selected Brigadier General (BG) James Benson as the new Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard — the first Black man to hold the position.
The Adjutant General serves as the principal military advisor to the Governor and commands the Delaware National Guard, which plays a critical role in supporting state and federal emergency response operations, including disaster relief, search, and rescue efforts, and providing support during civil unrest.
“Brigadier General James Benson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to the well-being of our troops,” Meyer said in a statement. “Throughout his distinguished military career, he has consistently put service to our state and country first, leading with a dedication to excellence. His leadership will be vital as we continue to support the men and women of the Delaware National Guard in their crucial roles both at home and abroad.”
BG Benson brings decades of experience serving in the Delaware National Guard and a wealth of knowledge in strategic military operations, national defense, and community engagement. Most recently, he assumed the responsibilities of Assistant Adjutant General of the Delaware Army National Guard. As a senior leader, he has overseen large-scale operations, including disaster response and humanitarian missions, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service.
BG Benson is a long-time friend of Delaware State University President Tony Allen, who he’s known since age 14.
“He is the reason I went to college, the reason I pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and the reason I chose the path of public service,” Allen told Delaware Live Monday night. “There is no better role model and brother, a point I routinely emphasize to his first Godson — my firstborn. I could not be more proud of this moment in his life — a family affair for all of us.”
If approved by the Delaware Senate, BG Benson would succeed Major General Michael Berry, who has served as the Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard for the past six years and has been part of the organization for 36 years.
“Serving as the Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard for the past six years and being part of this remarkable organization for 36 years has been an extraordinary honor,” he said in the announcement. “The professionalism, dedication, and talent of our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen ensure the safety and security of our communities, state, and nation. Under Brigadier General Jim Benson’s leadership, the Delaware National Guard will remain a professional force, ready to defend the Constitution, respond to our Governor and President, and serve at home and abroad. I’m deeply grateful to the men and women in uniform, their supportive families, and their employers. To our citizens and leaders: your Delaware National Guard is ‘Always Ready, Always There.’”
BG Benson previously served as the Director of the Joint Staff, Delaware National Guard, from January 2021 to April 2023. BG Benson was commissioned in 1991, through the Delaware National Guard Officer Candidate School. He commanded the 259th (Tropo) Signal Company, 198th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, and the 261st Theater Tactical Signal Brigade. BG Benson was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
BG Benson is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in Economics, an MBA from Wilmington University with an MBA, and a master’s in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. In his civilian capacity, BG Benson is also an emergency management consultant with the United States Department of Agriculture.
Peter Osborne has more than 15 years of experience as an award-winning business reporter and editor, leading two papers (the Delaware Business Times and Dallas Business Journal) to recognition as the nation’s most improved business publications. Osborne also helped launch The News Journal’s now-defunct Business Monday section and worked in communications and business development for MBNA America and Bank of America.
Source: delawarelive.com…
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