Indiana’s infantry brigade gets new commander, senior enlisted adviser

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Bruce | Indiana Army National Guard Lt. Col. Justin Mann, commander of the 76th Infantry Brigade, 38th Infantry Division, with the brigade colors during a change of command ceremony that installed him as the new commander, Saturday Oct. 13, 2018, in Lawrence, Indiana.  

LAWRENCE, IN, UNITED STATES

10.13.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class David Bruce 

38th Infantry Division

By Sgt. 1st Class David Bruce
38th Infantry Division Public Affairs

LAWRENCE, Ind.—The Indiana Army National Guard’s 76th Infantry Brigade, also known as the Nighthawk Brigade, installed a new commander and command sergeant major in a ceremony held Saturday, Oct. 13.

The soldiers of the 76th bid adieu to Col. Robert Burke whom had been in command for more than three years and its senior noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Bishop.

Taking command is Lt. Col. Justin Mann with Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Zirkelbach assuming responsibility as the brigade’s senior enlisted adviser.

“Nighthawks, thank you for all you give,” said Mann during his speech. “Focus on accomplishing the mission to the best of your ability and take care of your soldiers. Serve selflessly and let our actions speak volumes.”

The Nighthawks’ actions have spoken loudly the last three-plus years under the leadership of Burke and Bishop. Soldiers with the 76th participated in high-profile exercises including eXportable Combat Training Capability program in 2016, Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana in 2017, and the 76th was the first National Guard brigade to lead Pacific Pathways in 2018.

Maj. Gen. Gordon L. Ellis, 38th Infantry Division commander and reviewing officer, extolled Burke’s leadership qualities in commanding the brigade though those exercises and maintaining its high degree of readiness.

“You can’t have that without leadership of extraordinary caliber. Bob Burke is a leader, he’s a commander, a soldier-focused leader,” said Ellis. “Not only did he focus on the mission, but he was forever focused on the welfare of the soldier. And what has been asked of this brigade has not only been done well but exceptionally well.”

Burke in turn spotlighted his soldiers, his leaders and his peers for their work in the 76th achieving its successes.

“A goal as a commander is to make the unit better than when you first arrived. Well what I would tell you is that all of you have made me better over these past 3.5 years,” said Burke in his speech. “You have challenged me to be a better officer, commander, father, leader, and I am honored to have been a part of such an incredible organization. I leave here today with my head held high, because you have made me what I am today and allowed me to be a part of the Nighthawk family full of great memories and experiences for which I will never forget.”


Many soldiers in the Indiana National Guard pass through the 76th during their career, no matter the span of years. On hand were several former commanders of the brigade including Maj. Gen. Courtney P. Carr, Indiana National Guard adjutant general.

“The 76th Brigade has a history of excellence and for the last three years they have been on the cutting edge of everything the Army is about,” said Carr.

Carr had equal praise and expectations for Mann, the 76th’s new commander.

“Justin is the right guy for the job,” said Carr. “He’s been in the brigade since 2008, a battalion executive officer in combat and this brigade will go to the next level under his leadership.”

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• Date Taken: 10.13.2018
• Date Posted: 10.16.2018 11:29
• Story ID: 296596
• Location: LAWRENCE, IN, US