New leader for NC Guard’s 139th Regiment (Combat Arms)

Photo By Capt. Rick Scoggins | Army Col. Lawrence R. Powell, left, becomes the new commander of the North Carolina National Guard’s 139th Regiment (North Carolina Regional Training Institute – Combat Arms) at a ceremony at the unit’s headquarters at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 13. Here Powell hands the regiment’s colors, a flag representing the unit and command authority, to Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Martin, the unit’s senior enlisted soldier, showing Powell’s faith and expectation that the unit’s soldiers will continue mission. “I plan by leading by example, focusing on improvement and maintaining our traditions,” said Powell. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Pfc. Lindsay Cooper, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs /Released)  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

07.17.2013

Story by Pfc. Lindsay Cooper 

North Carolina National Guard

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Army Col. Lawrence R. Powell became the new commander of the North Carolina National Guard’s 139th Regiment (North Carolina Regional Training Institute – Combat Arms) at a ceremony at the unit’s headquarters here, July 13.

Powell took command of the unit from Army Col. John A. Byrd, who has led the 139th since January 2010.

The regiment provides combat arms, combat support and leadership training to Active, Reserve and National Guard soldiers. This world-class training keeps NCNG soldiers always ready to deploy on order from the governor of North Carolina and the president of the United States.

Under Byrd’s command the 139th was honored as an “Institution of Excellence” from the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Of the 54 training institutions in the United States, only 32 share this distinction with North Carolina; a tribute to the staff and cadre of the 139th RTI.
soldiers and leaders of the unit stood at attention for the formal change of command. At the head of the unit, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Martin, the unit’s senior enlisted leader, handed Byrd the regiment’s colors, a flag representing the unit and command authority.

Byrd as his last act as commander gave the colors to Air Force Brig. Gen. Tony McMillan, assistant adjutant general for Domestic Operations, NCNG. McMillan completed the ceremony by giving the colors to Powell, thereby recognizing him as the unit’s new commander.

Powell returned the colors to Martin showing his faith and expectation that the unit’s soldiers will continue mission.

“I plan by leading by example, focusing on improvement and maintaining our traditions,” said Powell.

Byrd will now serve as the NCNG Army chief of staff at the state’s Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh.

Powell takes command after successfully completing an assignment as Brigade Commander of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Clinton.

Powell has commanded at all levels and returns to 139th Regiment, where he once served as a Senior Training, Advising and Counseling (TAC) Officer earlier in his career.

Powell is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College.

In civilian life, Powell is a supervisor with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and lives with his wife and children in Monroe. He is a 23-year veteran of the North Carolina National Guard.

• Date Taken: 07.17.2013
• Date Posted: 07.17.2013 09:26
• Story ID: 110305
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US
• Hometown: MONROE, NC, US