Photo By Sgt. Michael Risinger | Brig. Gen. Laurie Hummel, adjutant general and commander of the Alaska National Guard,...... read more read more
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Col. (Alaska) John James took command of the Alaska State Defense Force during a change-of-command ceremony at the Delaney Park Strip located in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, August 6.
During the ceremony, outgoing commander Brig. Gen. (Alaska) Roger Holl, relinquished control to James after serving as the Alaska State Defense Force commander since 2009.
Presiding over the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Laurie Hummel, adjutant general and commander of the Alaska National Guard.
During Holls command, the ASDF assisted with everything from establishing Officer Candidate School and Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy to activating the 2nd Signal Detachment in Bethel.
“[Holl] has provided dynamic leadership through some truly extraordinary challenges and we very much appreciate his knowledge, professionalism and contributions over these last six years as commander,” said James. “Brigadier General Holl has constantly and consistently improved the Alaska State Defense Force and his tireless efforts have produced enduring results.”
Holl previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps before being commissioned in the Alaska State Defense Force in 1987. Holl also served as the president of the State Guard Association of the United States in 2014.
From basic airborne and drill instructor to infantry officer, James was a career infantryman serving in the active duty Army as both enlisted and officer before retiring in 2006. James joined the ASDF in 2011 and most recently served as the director of operations on state active duty in the Alaska National Guard Joint Operations Center since June 2015.
As commander of the 49th Brigade, ASDF, James will lead approximately 100 ASDF volunteer Soldiers and will assist the adjutant general with Department of Military and Veterans Affairs mission and goals.
“I am very humbled by the opportunity to command and eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to serve Alaska,” added James.
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| Date Taken: | 08.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2016 18:20 |
| Story ID: | 206999 |
| Location: | ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 726 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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