Photo By Sgt. Daniel Dyer | The outgoing command sergeant major of 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Command Sgt....... read more read more
INDIANAPOLIS - Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general for the Indiana National Guard, and Maj. Gen. David C. Wood, commanding general of the 38th Infantry Division, participated in the change of command and responsibility ceremony at the Lawrence Readiness Training Center Saturday at 10 a.m.
During the ceremony, Col. Ronald A. Westfall and Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Martin passed the colors to Col. Robert D. Burke and Command Sgt. Maj. Jon E. Mitchell in a brigade formation comprised of Nighthawk Soldiers from each of the seven battalions within the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Chaplain Aiden Rogers opened the ceremony with a benediction, which included thanking the distinguished guests, families and special guests in the audience for their steadfast support.
Nighthawk Soldiers presented Sheryl Westfall and Sherri Martin, the spouses of the outgoing command team with red roses, as a symbol of their sacrifice during this demanding period of their lives and thanking them for their hard work and support of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the State of Indiana.
Nighthawk Soldiers presented yellow roses to extend their welcome to incoming brigade commander’s spouse, Tina Burke, and the incoming command sergeant major’s girlfriend, Lindsay Amstutz.
Westfall began his career in the Indiana Army National Guard in 1979 as a private, then became a sergeant and later entered Officer Candidate School. Westfall has served at all levels of leadership including platoon, company, battalion, brigade commander as well as many staff positions. Westfall deployed to Bosnia in 2002, then twice to Iraq once in 2003 and then again in 2008.
“He has had a great career, earning two bronze stars,” Umbarger said of Westfall.
Westfall will continue his duties as the vice chief of staff of the Indiana National Guard.
Wood spoke in admiration of the 76th Infantry Brigade, calling it “the tip of the spear.” Wood presented Sheryl Westfall and Sherri Martin with the Indiana Commendation Medal for distinguished service to the State of Indiana, and the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Wood presented Martin with the Meritorious Service Medal for exemplary service for his time serving as the 76th Infantry Brigade command sergeant major. Martin continually led the Soldiers of the 76th brigade from the front and is an exemplary leader, whose mission first, soldiers always ethos is the standard for all members of the brigade.
Wood presented Westfall with the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional meritorious service while serving as the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander for the past two years.
Westfall’s leadership and vision saw the brigade through a reorganization while improving the overall readiness of the organization at every level.
“It’s the relationships you develop over your years of service, which continue to amaze me every single day,” said Burke, addressing the brigade as their commander for the first time.
Burke was raised in New Hampshire. He began his military career as a second lieutenant through the ROTC program at Norwich University in Vermont in 1989. After serving three years of active duty at Fort Carson, Colorado, he joined the Indiana National Guard as the executive officer of the HHC, 38th Infantry Division in 1993. Burke served in all levels of leadership: Platoon, company, battalion, brigade, and staff. Burke was the acting rear detachment commander while the headquarters was deployed forward to Afghanistan in 2012.
Burke deployed to Afghanistan in 2004, and Iraq in 2008. Burke’s son, Tyler, is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Burke is employed with the Indiana State Police.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2015 16:57 |
| Story ID: | 157702 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 1,519 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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