Photo By 1st Sgt. Mireille Merilice | Col. John Muller, outgoing commander, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National...... read more read more
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OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Army National Guard hosted a change of command ceremony this weekend for two proven leaders.
Standing in the shadow of the 45th Infantry Division Museum, Col. John Muller, outgoing commander for 90th Troop Command, stood before his family, friends and fellow Soldiers to bid farewell after serving for a year and a half and to welcome Col. Thomas Mancino, incoming commander for the Brigade.
Muller, of Edmond, Oklahoma, relinquished his command after 18-months of dedicated service to the OKARNG. While under his command, the Brigade deployed multiple company-size formations in support of operations in central Asia, Europe, Indo-Asia-Pacific region as well as central and South America.
During his nearly three decades of military service, Muller deployed multiple times to include Afghanistan in 2005 as a senior advisor to the Afghan National Army and in 2010 as the Legislative Assistant and Deputy Political Advisor to the Commander and NATO.
Over the course of his career, Muller's awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Meritorious Service Medal. He has also earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge and Army Staff Badge.
In a speech to his Soldiers, Muller encouraged leaders to set the tone and context for their organizations.
“When it comes to values and ethics, we must be absolutely predictable - always the hard right,” Muller stated. “We seldom get to hand pick our teams, but we always have the opportunity to build our teams.”
As his parting words and advice for future leaders, Muller said, "Winning isn’t everything, winning and living up to our values is everything.”
The ceremony included the passing of the 90th TC Colors, symbolizing the transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.
“I couldn’t be followed by a finer officer,” stated Muller. “You [Col. Mancino] are one of the most intelligent officers in the state, and your unique ways of analyzing problems will be an asset to the Brigade.”
Mancino, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, assumed command of the 90th TC, bringing with him more than 30 years of service with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. In previous assignments, Mancino commanded Task Force Cheyenee, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, fighting Taliban forces in Afghanistan in 2011-2012.
He also served as the Military Intelligence Officer and Signal Officer for the 45th IBCT. In his full-time position, Mancino is the Chief Information Officer for the OKARNG. His awards include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Assault Badge, and Combat Action Badge.
In his address to his new brigade, Mancino said, "You will not judge me by my words today, but by my future actions in command.”
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2018 22:06 |
| Story ID: | 284306 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 348 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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