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    Natchitoches pilot takes command of aviation battalion

    Natchitoches pilot takes command of aviation battalion

    Photo By Capt. Rebekah Malone | Lt. Col. Joseph M. Brocato shares a tender moment with his daughter, Tali, Aug. 8,...... read more read more

    PINEVILLE, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES

    08.08.2010

    Story by Sgt. Rebekah Malone 

    Louisiana National Guard

    PINEVILLE, La. – Friends and family of the close-knit Louisiana National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment (Airfield Operations Battalion), bid farewell to one commander and welcomed another with a change-of-command ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Esler Airfield, Aug. 8.

    Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, told the unit the two leaders, outgoing Commander Lt. Col. Joseph M. Brocato and incoming Commander Lt. Col. Robert Dallas Jones, are both outstanding leaders with great careers ahead of them. He spoke with pride about the 2-244th, and said they are known for the capabilities they provide and their aviation proficiency skills.

    “You have a reputation of getting the job done,” he said.

    Brocato, a resident of Leesville, La., is set to become the next executive officer for the 204th Theater Airfield Operations Group. He has commanded the unit, responsible for critical airfield operations and air traffic control, since July 2009. In remarks to his soldiers and family, Brocato thanked the leadership, the unit and his family for the opportunity to serve as their leader.

    “I am honored to have served as battalion commander,” Brocato told his soldiers. “I’m glad to have had the opportunity to serve with the battalion and completed all the missions required.

    “To my family and Staci, without your support, I couldn’t be here today,” he concluded.

    The 21 year veteran is a graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe with degrees in aviation and construction management, Command and General Staff College, and is qualified to instruct pilots on the UH-60 Black Hawk and the UH-72 Lakota.

    Brocato symbolically handed Landreneau the guidon of the 2-244th – a display of transferring authority of the unit back to the adjutant general. Landreneau then passed the guidon to the new commander.

    Jones, a native of Natchitoches, La., began his career 23 years ago when he enlisted in Northwestern State University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps. He said he has spent his entire career in command positions and is eager to serve at the battalion level.

    “I’m ready for command,” Jones said. “I have been a commander my whole career- this is just a more people at a higher level!”

    Jones holds a degree in aviation from NSU, Command and General Staff College, Counterdrug Aviation Operations Course, and is qualified as an instructor on the OH-58 Kiowa and UH-72 Lakota helicopters.

    Donna, his wife of 14 years, is a major in the Guard. She said seeing her husband’s hard work come to fruition was a moment she found difficult to put into words.

    “I’m overwhelmed right now!” said Donna. “He’s earned it. He’s worked hard and sacrificed a lot and I’m very proud.”

    She explained that the years of service to get to the level of battalion command have required a lot of sacrifice.

    “We’ve given our life to the Guard and community. It’s very rewarding, and we are happy to serve,” she said.

    Though she is very proud, the significant accomplishment did not come as a surprise to Jones’ mother, Clarice Jones. She said her son was bound for greatness from a young age.

    “I knew he was destined [for greatness] since he was four years old wearing a hard hat and welding gloves while riding his bike and saying, ‘I’m going to fly helicopters!’” she said with a warm smile.

    The 2nd Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment (Airfield Operations Battalion) was designated in September 2007, but has a deep history in Louisiana dating back to 1998. The unit is the only unit to ever win the Army Aviation Facility of the Year, Air Traffic Control Manager of the Year and Air Traffic Control Maintainer of the Year in the same year.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.08.2010
    Date Posted: 08.10.2010 20:44
    Story ID: 54297
    Location: PINEVILLE, LOUISIANA, US

    Web Views: 289
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN