MJO
By Sgt. Dale Elliott, 75th Troop Command, Unit Public Affairs Representative
[caption id="attachment_3515" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kentucky Guardsman Lt. Col. Jeffrey Stevens outgoing commander of the 103rd Chemical Battalion accepts the unit Gideon from Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Pack 103rd Chemical Battalion command sergeant major at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center Oct. 02."]
GREENVILLE, Ky. - The Dragon Warriors of the 103rd Chemical Battalion welcomed a new battalion commander during a change of command ceremony Oct. 2, at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center.
Maj. Joseph H. Gardner II assumed command from Lt. Col. Jeffrey Stevens who has accepted a position with the Office of the Inspector General.
Gardner said he looks forward to serving with the Soldiers of the 103rd.
"The 103rd Chemical Battalion has a rich and proud history," he said. "I am honored and privileged to receive such an honor."
Both his wife, Michelle Gardner, and daughter Grace were there to witness the ceremony.
The new first lady of the 103rd, also expressed her pride in both her husband's new command and for the Guardsmen throughout the state.
"He has worked so hard and I am glad to see him receive such a great reward for all he has accomplished," she said. "I believe in the people of the Kentucky National Guard and I respect all that the military does. I support him and his service."
[caption id="attachment_3518" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Kentucky Guardsman Maj. Joseph Gardner the incoming commander of 103rd Chemical Battalion accepts the unit Gideon from Colonel Wayne Burd, Commander of the 75th Troop Command at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center Oct. 02"]
Gardner's previous assignment was under the 75th Troop Command as deputy training officer.