Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Dodds | Brig. Gen. David Anderson (left), Army component commander for the North Dakota...... read more read more
FARGO, N.D. - The leadership of the North Dakota Army National Guard's largest unit changed hands yesterday during a formal change of command ceremony, at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center.
After leading the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade for two years, Col. Lannie Runck relinquished the unit colors to Col. Giselle "Gigi" Wilz before soldiers of the 141st MEB's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, as well as family and friends of both officers.
Brig. Gen. David Anderson, North Dakota National Guard Army component commander, presided over the ceremony.
"Col. Runck has effectively led this unit during a critical time in our nation's history," said Anderson. "He has served the North Dakota National Guard remarkably well for three and half decades, and we salute his service."
Runck reflected on the unit's achievements accomplished during his tenure as commander, such as deploying units overseas, building brigade strength to the highest level ever, fielding new tactical command, control and communication equipment and certifying the that the unit is "fully operationally capable" to perform its war-time mission.
Runck said that the change-of-command ceremony was more about the MEB's soldiers unit and the organization itself than it was about him or Wilz.
"It's about closing one chapter and moving on to the next chapter," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of the professional soldiers of this unit for what they have accomplished."
Anderson called Wilz the perfect follow-on leader to keep the 141st MEB on the course that Runck helped establish.
"Col. Wilz has the perfect combination of skills, background and
experience," Anderson said. "I couldn't think of a better officer to lead this complex unit."
Wilz took time to thank everyone who showed up to witness the ceremony. She especially thanked her mother, Marilyn, who was in attendance and who's been part of the Guard family for more than 56 years, first in support of her husband, Charles Wilz, and then in her continued support of her children, and now, a grandson.
Wilz then turned her attention to the soldiers of the 141st MEB.
"I look forward to the opportunity and responsibility to serve as your commander and the chance to lead the 141st MEB into the future," she said.
We have the finest soldiers anywhere and it is a truly a privilege to serve with you."
Wilz, 45, of Bismarck, N.D., enlisted in 1983 and is the first woman in the history of the North Dakota Army National Guard to rise from an enlisted Soldier to the rank of "full bird" colonel - all while a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard.
The Richardton, N.D., native enlisted in 1983 and was commissioned as an officer in 1986 serving in both the Quartermaster and Engineer branches. She deployed to the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and also served in Kosovo from 2009-10 as the operations officer (G3) for the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Currently, Wilz serves full-time as the North Dakota Army National Guard's G-3 deputy chief of staff for operations.
After the change of command, Runck, who plans to retire later this year, was honored for 36 years of military service in the National Guard.
Runck, 54, enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1976 and was commissioned as an officer in 1984. The Casselton, N.D., native served in several North Dakota units as both an Engineer and Air Defense Artillery officer. In March 2007, he deployed to Iraq, where he served as director of the Joint Reconstruction Operations Center for the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers' Gulf Region Division. Runck deployed again in August 2009, serving as the chief of staff for Task Force Falcon, Multi National Battle Group-East in Kosovo.
Based in Fargo, the 141st MEB encompasses more than 1,400 soldiers in units throughout eastern North Dakota.
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2012 13:56 |
| Story ID: | 94831 |
| Location: | FARGO, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 280 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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