Photo By Sgt. Brian Johnson | Capt. Donald Westfall commanded the 1194th Engineer Company from July 1, 2004, while...... read more read more
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - After more than three years in command of the 1194th Engineer Company (formerly Company A, 216th Engineer Battalion), Capt. Donald Westfall of Chardin has been promoted to a new position in the Ohio Army National Guard.
Westfall commanded the unit from July 1, 2004, while the unit was in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, until the mid-September of this year. The average length of command time for a captain in the Ohio National Guard is 2-3 years. During that time, Westfall helped the unit accomplish several missions, oversee the opening of a new readiness center in Chillicothe, and won Bronze Star Medal for his service while in Iraq.
Westfall now moves on to the Ohio National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Columbus, where he will work in the state environmental office.
When reflecting on his time in command, Westfall said his biggest accomplishment was taking care of a company of over 140 Soldiers while on active duty in Iraq.
“If I could do one thing over, I would rework one of the missions in Iraq that our unit was assigned,” Westfall said. “The mission had the safety of our Soldiers in mind, but there were still causalities that were experienced. This one specific mission was a defining moment for a lot of people. It affected a lot of lives. I lost not only two Soldiers, but two friends that day. I know that I did everything that I could, but I still feel responsible for the events of that day.
“I think I will miss the camaraderie that comes with the hardship of a combat tour.”
The unit is now commanded by Capt. Todd Wynn.
As for words of advice for Wynn, the new commander, Westfall said: “Jump in with both feet. Do what you know in your heart is right. Take care of the Soldiers by ensuring their safety, challenging their spirit and enjoying their friendship.”
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 04.06.2015 15:41 |
| Story ID: | 159229 |
| Location: | OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 198 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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