Dakota Army National Guard Aviators welcome new commander

Photo By William Prokopyk | The North Dakota National Guard's Col. Darcie Handt, 68th Troop Commander (right) passes the colors of the 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment to Maj. Paul Helten during the unit's change of command ceremony, Jan. 12, 2013, in Bismarck, N.D. Helten assumed command from Lt. Col. Jerry Anderson who served in that capacity since Sept. 2010. The unit's colors are traditionally passed from the unit's senior enlisted soldier to the outgoing commander, to the incoming commander through the higher echelon commander. The change of command ceremony is an important military tradition which formally acknowledges the transfer of duties, responsibilities, and authority between incoming and outgoing commanders. (Photo by Bill Prokopyk, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs Office)  

BISMARCK, ND, UNITED STATES

01.12.2013

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

By Spc. Nicole R. Frohlich
1-112th Aviation Battalion

BISMARCK, N.D. — The Dakota Army National Guard’s Bismarck-based 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security & Support) (34th Combat Aviation Brigade) welcomed Maj. Paul Helten of Bismarck, as the its new commander during an change of command ceremony, Jan. 12, 2013, at the Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility.

Helten assumed command from Lt. Col. Jerry Anderson, also of Bismarck, who served as commander since August 2010 after returning from an overseas deployment in Kosovo.

“Lt. Col. Anderson successfully led this unit through the Guard’s statewide flood response in 2011 as well as the deployment of aviation troops and equipment overseas,” said Darcie Handt, commander of the 68th Troop Command who presided over the ceremony. “His leadership has been an integral component to the high standards of safe, proficient aviation support provided to the citizens of North Dakota during emergency response operations and to the U.S. Army overseas.”

All three officers addressed the soldiers of the battalion during the ceremony.

“I am confident that this distinguished battalion is in good hands with Maj. Helton,” said Handt. “His aviation competency will serve him well as he leads this complex aviation unit.”

Anderson told the soldiers of the unit that he was excited for the future and couldn’t think of a more ready and professional officer than Helten.

“It was a truly an honor to serve with all of you,” Anderson said.
Anderson also serves as the North Dakota National Guard’s State Army Aviation Officer and has more than 22 years of military service.

Helten also addressed the unit’s soldiers. “I have been with this unit since its inception and I have learned a lot from the other commanders and feel very blessed and fortunate assume command of this great battalion,” said Helten. “I look forward to serving with you.”

Helten, who has nearly 18 years of military, served as the unit’s operations and training officer since May 2008.

Attending the ceremony were Anderson’s wife, Kristi and their three children as well as Helton’s wife Julie and their three children, Evelyn (mother-in-law), Ann and Skip Walby (aunt and uncle), and his cousin Jason Walby.

The battalion has more than 230 soldiers assigned and operates the UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72a Lakota helicopters.

• Date Taken: 01.12.2013
• Date Posted: 01.18.2013 20:24
• Story ID: 100775
• Location: BISMARCK, ND, US