1-116th Infantry recognized by Governor at change of command ceremony - June 20, 2013

Maj. Michael W. Martin takes command of the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Lt. Col. Alan W. Carter in a ceremony held June 20, 2013, at Fort Pickett. Col. John M. Epperly, commander of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, exchanged the unit colors between the two officers to signify the change of command. Virginia Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Bryan M. Rhode presented a certificate of recognition signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to recognize 1st Battalion for being awarded the Walter T. Kerwin Readiness Award by the Association of the United State Army as the Army National Guard unit with the highest level of readiness in the country. Evaluation criteria for the Kerwin award include the areas of assigned personnel strength, percentage of personnel qualified in their duty position, attendance at monthly drill weekends and annual training, individual weapons qualification scores and physical fitness test scores. Battalions also must have an effective maintenance program for all units and must achieve readiness objectives as outlined by U.S. Forces Command.