Leaders take part in deactivation of brigade [Image 2 of 8]

DECATUR, AL, UNITED STATES

09.18.2016

Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Shanley 

131st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

DECATUR, Ala. (Sept. 18, 2016) -- The members of the official party present for the deactivation of the142nd Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, 62nd Troop Command, Alabama Army National Guard, (front row, left to right) Command Sgt. Maj. Jay Stallings, the brigade command sergeant major; Maj. Gen. Charles Lynn Gable, Assistant Adjutant General, Alabama Army National Guard; and Col. Terry L. Grisham, the commanding officer of the brigade; join approximately 50 Soldiers of the 142nd in a ceremony to commemorate the deactivation of the brigade at Fort Quarles-Flowers Armory, here, today.

The unoccupied seat (far right) serves to honor the memory of Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Bettis, from Monroeville, Ala. Bettis succumbed to his injuries, Sept. 16, from an assault, Sept. 1, by an inmate at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility, Atmore, Ala., where Bettis was on duty in his civilian employment as a correctional officer at the time. Using a helmet and boots, members of the 142nd who served with Bettis constructed a display that serves as a representation of the fallen Soldier and pays honor to his service with the 142nd and the Alabama Army National Guard in defense of our nation.

Also attending the event were guests that included families and friends of service members participating in the ceremony.

Though the 142nd was originally organized as an anti-aircraft artillery group, in March 1952, in Montgomery, Ala., the primary mission of the command was signal for the majority of the next five decades during which it was deactivated, reactivated and reorganized at several increments.

The 142nd designator as a battlefield surveillance brigade in provisional status was in effect from December 2009 until achieving full-implementation, on Oct. 1, 2011.

The force structure that includes infantry, engineer, signal and cavalry units of the Alabama Army National Guard falling under the mission command of the brigade exists as the current 142nd formally deactivates.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Shanley/Released)

• Date Taken: 09.18.2016
• Date Posted: 09.27.2016 15:12
• Photo ID: 2876548
• VIRIN: 160918-Z-BQ259-002
• Resolution: 4812x3588
• Size: 1.86 MB
• Location: DECATUR, AL, US
• Hometown: MONROEVILLE, AL, US