DVIDS – News – Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade honors commanders

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, family and friends gathered to bid farewell to outgoing commander Col. Colby Wyatt, of Cherokee, Oklahoma, and welcome incoming commander Col. Andrew Ballenger, of Sulphur, Oklahoma, throughout a change of command ceremony at Camp Gruber Training Center, Sunday.

“I can think of no two greater leaders than those that are seated here before me today,” mentioned Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino, adjutant normal for Oklahoma. “I have full faith and confidence in both of them.”

Wyatt’s profession with the Oklahoma National Guard started in 1990 as an enlisted Soldier and he commissioned six years later. He was assigned as commander for the 45th IBCT in 2019.

“The last three years have been quite the test,” Wyatt mentioned, happening to explain a number of occasions the 45th IBCT confronted throughout his command, together with the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to planning and executing a rotation on the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

During the ceremony, Wyatt was introduced the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his management and steerage via the pandemic, in addition to his dedication to the Soldiers of the 45th IBCT. This award is the newest addition to the numerous Wyatt has earned throughout his navy profession, to incorporate 4 Bronze Star Medals and a Purple Heart.

Wyatt had many individuals to thank for his success as commander of the 45th IBCT. During his speech he acknowledged his workers in addition to the Soldiers of the brigade.

“I thank you for the hard work and dedication as professional Soldiers,” Wyatt mentioned. “You made my command very enjoyable with the enthusiasm that you brought to every drill, field event and challenge that was thrown at us.”

Ballenger is getting into command of the Thunderbird Brigade with a breadth of navy expertise courting again to his enlistment within the Oklahoma National Guard in 1989. While serving within the 1st Battalion, a hundred and sixtieth Field Artillery Regiment, 45th IBCT, Ballenger attended the University of Oklahoma the place he earned a fee within the lively-obligation Army via the Reserve Officer Training Program.

He served with the lively-obligation Army for 4 years and transitioned to the Army National Guard. He has held quite a few command and workers positions at a number of ranges together with commanding the 45th IBCT’s 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, Individual Training Branch chief, Operations Division chief, chief of Strategic Plans and Policy, deputy operations officer for the Army National Guard Directorate of the National Guard Bureau, and served because the Senior Army National Guard advisor to the headquarters of United States Army Europe-Africa.

Ballenger holds a grasp of National Security Studies from the National War College, a masters of Public Administration from the George Bush School of Government at Texas A&M and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma. He has additionally attended the Command and General Staff Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course and the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course.

Addressing the Soldiers in formation, Ballenger mentioned he plans to convey high-tier management to the Brigade throughout any challenges they may face.

“My message today to the force here is I will do my utmost to provide you with good, competent leadership,” Ballenger mentioned. “To the Soldiers, my responsibility is to bring the Army’s half to the table and yours is to bring your half. I will give my utmost to make sure we are [together] at the finish line.”