Courtesy story
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota National Guard’s Land Component Command welcomed a new leader today when the current commander retired after 34 years of military service. Brig. Gen. William “Bill” Seekins relinquished command to Col. David Anderson at the Guard's Raymond J. Bohn Armory. The LCC is the Army component of the N.D. National Guard with more than 3,350 soldiers assigned.
“Brig. Gen Seekins has served with great distinction throughout his career,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, the North Dakota adjutant general. “He has effectively commanded at many levels during the past decade when the Global War on Terrorism yielded record deployments for the N.D. Guard. He has impacted our organization for years to come, and his legacy will continue through the leaders he has mentored through three decades of service.”
Seekins has commanded in various capacities since 1999, beginning with the Minot, N.D. based 164th Engineer Battalion (1999-2002). From 2002-2004, he led the Training Site, Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, N.D., the Engineer Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, (2004-2005), 164th Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton Training Center from 2005-2008. He has commanded the LCC since Oct. 2008.
A native of Jamestown, N.D., Seekins enlisted in 1977, after graduated from Jamestown High School and Jamestown College where earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. After earning a commission as a 2nd lieutenant, Seekins served as a platoon leader, executive officer and detachment commander for Company B, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion (Wheeled), prior to assuming command of Company A, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, in 1985.
“The reputation of the North Dakota National Guard is outstanding. I’ve traveled throughout the world, and that reputation precedes this organization. When the community or nation calls, the Guard is there,” Seekins said during the ceremony. “After 34 years of service, at the end of the day, it’s all about the journey.”
Seekins is a traditional Guardsman and is employed full time by Goodrich Corporation Cargo Systems as a Value Stream Leader responsible for the 747 and 767 cargo-handling systems product lines.
During the retirement ceremony, Seekins was awarded the Legion of Merit and the North Dakota Distinguished Service Medal. His other military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Army Commendation medal (2 awards), Army Achievement medal (3 awards), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (8 awards) and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (2 awards). He is also a recipient of the Bronze de Flurry Medal for his significant contributions to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Seekins and his wife Joanne, have two daughters, Twila and Sasha, and son, Bill Jr. His spouse was honored with a certificate and thanked for her unyielding support of his military career.
As Seekins retired, Anderson became the new commander.
“Dave Anderson is the best qualified officer to take command of the LCC," said Sprynczynatyk. "His proven leadership, previous assignments and demonstrated competence provides him the perfect experience for successful command at this level.”
Anderson, a native of Oakes, N.D., graduated from Oaks High School in 1974 and North Dakota State University with a bachelor in science degree. He earned his commission as a 2nd lieutenant through the NDSU ROTC program. A full-time Guardsman, Anderson has held a myriad of key positions with the Guard to include command of the Fargo, N.D., based 142nd Engineer Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2004. Previously, he was assigned as the Army Chief of Staff for the North Dakota National Guard from October 2008 to October 2011.
| Date Taken: |
01.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: |
01.08.2012 17:43 |
| Story ID: |
82163 |
| Location: |
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
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