Photo By Sgt. Ann Knudson | Brig.Gen. Bill Seekins [left], land component commander for the N.D. National Guard,...... read more read more
BISMARCK, N.D. — Col. Michael R. Aberle assumed command of the North Dakota National Guard's 68th Troop Command during a Change of Command Ceremony yesterday at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory. Aberle accepted the position from Col. James T. Hrdlicka (Hurl-la-check), who is scheduled to serve as the deputy commander for Civil Military Operations for the North Dakota Army National Guard's mission in Kosovo. Brig. Gen. Bill Seekins, land component commander for the North Dakota National Guard, presided over the ceremony.
"Mike Aberle is the perfect choice to command this unit; he is fully prepared and ready to lead this complex organization," Seekins said. "Jim Hrdlicka's demonstrated leadership with the 68th Troop Command has prepared him for his next challenging assignment with the Kosovo Force. I wish him well during his 12-month deployment."
The 68th Troop Command consists of over 1,200 Soldiers which includes the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 164th Engineer Battalion, 1-112th Aviation Battalion, 3662nd Maintenance Company, 814th Medical Detachment and 188th Army Band. The 957th Engineer Company and the 116th Public Affairs Detachment are deploying to Kosovo, but are also assigned to the 68th Troop Command.
Hrdlicka has commanded the 68th Troop Command since November 2008.
"It was an honor and privilege to serve with the Soldiers of the 68th Troop Command," Hrdlicka said. "They always demonstrated great professionalism and dedication."
His stepson, Spc. Andy Huisman, a member of the 957th Liaison Monitoring Teams, also is deploying to Kosovo. During the Guard's response to the spring 2009 flooding, Hrdlicka commanded Joint Task Force- East, which was based in Fargo. At the peak of operations, Task Force-East comprised more than 1,900 Soldiers and Airmen and was responsible for all military support to the flood fight from Jamestown, N.D., to the Minnesota border. Aberle is from Edgeley, N.D., and graduated from North Dakota State University. His parents, Lorraine and retired Sgt. Maj. Richard "Dick" Aberle, were present for the ceremony. Dick Aberle served more than 35 years in the North Dakota National Guard.
Hrdlicka is from Colome, S.D., and graduated from the University of Mary. His wife, Gail, also attended the ceremony.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.17.2009 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 37595 |
| Location: | BISMARCK, US |
| Web Views: | 286 |
| Downloads: | 164 |
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