183rd RTI conducts change of command ceremony - July 23, 2011

Col. Doug Messner assumed command of the Blackstone-based 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute from Col. Marie Mahoney in a traditional change of command ceremony held July 23 at Fort Pickett. As part of the ceremony, Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Howard E. "Skip" Halfacre presented the regimental colors to Mahoney, who then in turned passed the color to Brig. Gen. William R. Phillips, II, Virginia National Guard land component commander, to signify her relinquishing command. Phillips then presented the regimental colors to Messner in recognition of his assumption of command, then Messner returned the colors to Halfacre. Phillips promoted Messner to colonel before the change of command ceremony and Mahoney received a Meritorious Service Medal in recognition for her service as the commander.