Arizona National Guard's 198th RSG Change of Command

Photo By Sgt. Kelly Anne Beck | Col. Leslie Montgomery assumes command of the 198th Regional Support Group from the unit’s outgoing commander, Col. Harold B. Jones, Jr. during a change of command ceremony conducted Jan. 8 at the Florence Military Reservation. The 198th RSG has overseen fourteen units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  

FLORENCE, AZ, UNITED STATES

01.08.2011

Courtesy Story

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

FLORENCE, Ariz. – Col. Leslie Montgomery assumed command of the 198th Regional Support Group from the unit’s outgoing commander, Col. Harold B. Jones, Jr. during a change of command ceremony conducted Jan. 8 at the Florence Military Reservation.

During his command, Jones led the largest brigade in the Arizona Army National Guard. The Brigade is made up of three subordinate battalions, 24 separate units and over 1700 soldiers.

“The best part of my command is the soldiers I’ve been able to work with,” Jones said. “Whether M-day soldiers or full-timers, we could not have the success we had without the quality of soldiers we have had.”

The 198th RSG has overseen fourteen units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. These units served alongside coalition forces during a military surge of combat operations and more recently in the military drawdown of forces in Operation New Dawn.

Before the passing the brigade’s colors to the new commander, Col. Mathew Brown thanked Jones for the professionalism and leadership during his tenure.

“You stepped up to the plate and lead this organization on many types of missions, Brown said.”

In her remarks to the brigade, Montgomery shared her gratitude to Jones for the professionalism of the soldiers he is passing to her. She reminded her new soldiers that less than one percent of eligible adults serve in the military and encourage them to view their duty not as a debt but as a gift.

Montgomery said her goal as the new brigade commander is to unify the three brigades in the state.

“I want the brigades in this state to share talents and capabilities because we all fall under the same patch, Montgomery said.”

In his concluding remarks Brown said that while the Brigade has a lot of challenges ahead, Montgomery will be a steadfast leader and provide the sound direction the unit needs.

• Date Taken: 01.08.2011
• Date Posted: 01.11.2011 18:12
• Story ID: 63385
• Location: FLORENCE, AZ, US