OKLAHOMA CITY - - Family, friends and fellow Guardsmen gathered at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City Saturday, September 7th for the 90th Troop Command change of command ceremony.
Among the displayed military vehicles and aircrafts that adorn the grounds of the museum, two members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, outgoing commander Col. Thomas Mancino and incoming commander Col. Lars Ostervold, were honored for their accomplishments and service to the state of Oklahoma.
This time-honored tradition is a ceremony meant to signify the transfer of command from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander by way of passing the unit colors. On Saturday, the ceremonial banner was passed from Mancino to Ostervold.
During the ceremony, Mancino used his time at the podium, not to speak of himself, but of the brigade’s efforts during historic flooding in Northeast Oklahoma, the successes of recruiting and retention, as well as the brigade’s effort to address veteran suicide.
He then turned his attention his attention to his family.
“To my daughters, I want you to look out into the formation in front of me,” said Mancino. “I want you to notice that half of the Soldiers commanding these units are female.”
He spoke about the importance of recruiting the best Soldiers, regardless of gender, race, or creed, ensuring everyone is free to work and excel in the United States military.
Following Mancino’s speech, Ostervold took the opportunity to thank members of the Oklahoma National Guard staff, his family, and his fellow Soldiers.
“Thank you, general Thompson, for the opportunity to lead this brigade,” said Ostervold. “And thank you, Tommy [Mancino], for continuing the success of 90th Troop Command, and I hope that I can further that along as well.”
After the exchange of gifts and tokens of appreciation between the staff and commanders, the ceremony was concluded with a salute and a command, made by the new commander of 90th Troop Command.
Ostervold will be bringing to the brigade 25 years of experience, spanning multiple missions all over the world.
Date Taken: | 09.07.2019 |
Date Posted: | 09.08.2019 18:07 |
Story ID: | 338874 |
Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, US |
Web Views: | 289 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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