130TH MEB; New Commander, Old Friend

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | FORT FISHER, N.C. — North Carolina Army National Guard Col. Timothy Aiken, speaks to the Soldiers of the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade as he assumes command of the brigade during a ceremony at Fort Fisher Training Center, June 12, 2016. Aiken, of Sunset, S.C., said he grew up in this brigade and it feels like family; like he was coming home. Throughout Aiken’s military career he has held several assignments with the brigade to include Military Police Officer, Engineer Officer, Company Commander of the 211th Military Police Company, Deputy Brigade Commander and Administrative Officer at Headquarters,130th MEB. (Photo by National Guard Sgt. Ruth McClary, 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs  

FORT FISHER, NC, UNITED STATES

06.17.2016

Story by Sgt. Ruth McClary 

North Carolina National Guard

Aiken has held many assignments throughout his military career and many of them were with the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (130th MEB); including but not limited to, a company command with the 211th Military Police Company and Deputy Brigade Commander and Brigade Administrative Officer at the 130th MEB. Therefore, this command is like a welcome home to an old friend as he makes this natural progression into a larger role of leadership.

“I grew up in this brigade,” said Aiken. . ”And I want everyone to know how much I love this brigade; it’s like family…like I’m coming back home.”

Brig. Gen. Kenneth Beard, NC National Guard’s assistant adjutant general for sustainment passed the brigade colors to Aiken during the ceremony and he charged the 130th MEB leaders to set the precedence for this command to succeed.

“You come more than adequately equipped to be successful here; having grown up in MEB units, commanded at every level to this point and proven leadership during multiple deployments,” said Beard.

Aiken spoke of how the influence of past NC Guard leaders has shaped his leadership style; making the connection that good or bad leaders make lasting impressions on Soldiers.

“Over my past 31 years in the Army and National Guard, I have had both the privilege of working with or for some great leaders and the misfortune of working with some toxic ones,” said Aiken. “In both instances I learned how to and how not to lead.”

“I truly believe in the concept of idealized influence," he continued. "For Soldiers and entire units will emulate a leaders behavior.”

Aiken's speech gave Sgt. Maria Leary, a 130th MEB brigade administrative specialist, reassurance that he will lead by example and although he is among friends, there is mutual respect.

“I believe his leadership style will benefit the 130th MEB immensely,” said Leary. “His love for this organization and its Soldiers is evident and his philosophy on leadership will set the example for Solders in this brigade at all levels.”

The ceremony began with the passing of the colors and concluded with the singing of the Army song as congratulatory sentiments welcomed Aiken into his new role.

“Congratulations on your command, “ said Beard. “I look forward to seeing what the unit will accomplish under your leadership.”
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• Date Taken: 06.17.2016
• Date Posted: 06.17.2016 10:02
• Story ID: 201539
• Location: FORT FISHER, NC, US
• Hometown: SUNSET, SC, US