Absolon Kent

Husband, Father, Man of God

Absolon Kent

May 29, 2026

NPAC Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony

NORFOLK, Va. — It’s always great to reconnect with friends, shipmates, co-workers, mentors, and mentees. Yesterday, Thurraya and I attended the Change of Command ceremony for the Navy Public Affairs Command Element, as well as the retirement ceremony for Captain Sarah Self-Kyler. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with many of the past, current, and future professionals and leaders within the Navy Public Affairs community who are responsible for telling the Navy’s story.

Congratulations to Captain Richlyn Ivey, who relieved Captain Self-Kyler as commanding officer of NPAC, and congratulations to Sarah and her family on her distinguished 34-year Navy career.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/675

#TeamKent #GoNavy

Absolon Kent

May 27, 2026

VA HB478 Signing

RICHMOND, Va. — I am incredibly proud of Matthias, his classmates, and Mrs. Annie Ray for having the opportunity to meet Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger as she signed HB478 into law yesterday.

This achievement would not have been possible without the passion, creativity, hard work, and dedication of Mrs. Ray and the students who helped inspire this legislation. Thanks to their efforts, Virginia will now recognize fine arts achievement with a special diploma seal and acknowledge fine arts as a high-demand career field.

A special thank-you to Delegate Vivian Watts, the sponsor of HB478, for championing this important legislation and supporting expanded opportunities for students in fine arts education across the Commonwealth.

Their voices, talents, and creativity are helping shape the future, and I could not be a prouder parent or supporter of Annandale High School.

📸: Photo provided by Annie Ray

#PreciousFatherMoments #TeamKent #KENTCANDO #FineArtsEducation #VirginiaEducation

Absolon Kent

May 27, 2026

Memorial Day Weekend 2026

NEW MARKET and BERGTON, Va. — We enjoyed another wonderful family weekend as we explored New Market and returned to Highland Retreat. Memorial Day weekend gave us the perfect opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together, share meaningful conversations, and create more lasting family memories. #TeamKent #KENTCANDO #PreciousFatherMoments #HighlandRetreat #GetOutside #TodaysAdventure

Absolon Kent

May 21, 2026

JMU Coaches Caravan

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ALDIE, Va. — It was a great evening on Tuesday as the JMU Coaches Caravan made its Northern Virginia stop at Lark Brewing Co. The energy and vision surrounding JMU and its athletics programs are continuing to build, and it’s clear there’s a lot to be excited about in Harrisonburg.

It was exciting to hear from JMU President Dr. James Schmidt, Athletics Director Matt Roan, first-year football coach Billy Napier, women’s basketball coach Sean O’Regan, and men’s basketball coach Preston Spradlin.

Proud to be part of the Duke Club community and looking forward to another great year for the Dukes! 💜💛

#JMU #GoDukes #JMUDukes #DukeClub

Absolon Kent

May 16, 2026

Honoring Those Who Served

ARLINGTON, Va. — Today, members of the Omicron Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. showed up in service at the Military Women's Memorial in Arlington, Virginia for their Honor Flight Service Project. Our family had the honor of joining them and welcoming veterans from Georgia, New York, and Florida as they arrived for their Honor Flights.

#TodaysAdventure #TeamKent #KENTCANDO #MilitaryWomensMemorial