By Stacy Floden, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Lt. Col. David Reed receives the colors during the change of command ceremony for the Kentucky National Guard’s 75th Troop Command. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Stacy Floden)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Col. Bryan M. Howay relinquished his command of the 75
th Troop Command to Lt. Col. David W. Reed during a change of command ceremony June 3, in Louisville. There were several in attendance at Bowman Field Readiness Center with family, friends and Guardsman.
Howay recalled the brigade’s accomplishments over the last three years and praised the unit. “I was lucky to command the 75
th. The best and brightest NCO’s and junior officers are in this brigade and that makes my job a lot easier.”
“All I really had to do is keep people off their backs and they were going to make sure we were all successful. The future of this organization is very bright.”
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Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell, Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general, addressed the troops and spoke of the 75th’s high reputation and Howay’s successful term as commander.
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Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell (left) presents Col. Bryan Howay with a framed guidon during the 75th change of command ceremony in Louisville, Ky. Howay relinquished command of the 75th to Lt. Col. David Reed, June 3, 2017. Howay commanded the unit since 2014. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Stacy Floden)
“I never worried about 75
th Troop Command under Col. Howay’s leadership,” he said. “It’s easy to get lost in the unit details and never get you head above water, but the 75
th did not suffer this affliction under Col. Howay’s leadership and they are a much better organization than they were three years ago because of his leadership and vision.”
Reed now assumes command of the 75th, having spent 28 years in uniform. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant at Murray State University in 1989 as an Armor Officer. Reed holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Safety Engineering from Murray and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Reed extended his gratitude to families, friends and Soldiers. “This brigade has a great responsibility to the guard and our state and I look forward in leading you. I know we will continue to train and always be ready to execute for our great nation and commonwealth. The 75
th is a strong team and there is nothing we can’t accomplish together.”
“Throughout Lt. Col. Reed’s career it has always been more about the organization than it has been about him,” said Campbell. “I know he will make an impact on these Soldiers career and their lives.”
Howay will continue to serve as the Kentucky National Guard Joint Support Operations coordinator.