By Stacy Floden, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Col. David Reed relinquishes command of the 75th Troop Command Brigade to CSM Michael Rowan as part of a change of command ceremony at the Sadowski Center in Fort Knox, Ky., April. 14, 2019. Leadership of the Brigade changed hands from Col. Reed to Col. Douglas Clay. (courtesy photo)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Col. David Reed relinquished his command of the 75th Troop Command to Col. Douglas Clay during a change of command ceremony April 14, in Fort Knox. There was a packed house in attendance at the Sadowski Center with family, friends and Guardsmen.
Reed recalled the brigade’s accomplishments over the last two years. Just in 2018 alone, the Kentucky national Guard's Soldier, NCO and Senior NCO of the Year all came from the 75th, a testimony to the dedication to the overall success of our brigade.
“Leadership in this brigade didn’t need much guidance from me they understood my vision and intent. This is a diversified brigade with multiple types of units which made my job even more enjoyable.”
Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell, deputy adjutant general of Kentucky presided over the ceremony and also spoke of the 75th’s high reputation and Reed’s successful term as commander.
“The 75th has never failed to live up to their legacy and Col. Reed has led them with a high level of professionalism,” he said. “His effective leadership and the high standards he set for the Soldiers and himself is the epitome of a citizen-soldier.”
Clay now assumes command of the 75th, having spent nearly 25 years in uniform. He enlisted in the Army as a logistics specialist in 1994. Clay received an active duty commission as a Distinguished Military graduate through Marshall University’s ROTC in 1997. He served in the active component from 1997 until joining the Guard in 2004.
Clay extended his gratitude to families and Soldiers and said the 75th is the most diverse unit in the state and the most exciting to be a part of.
“I started my career in the 75th so coming back to it, even though it is in a different location, is really neat to come back and command. As the new commander, I want to make sure we are providing confident and fit leaders across the organization.”
The 75th Troop Command provides mission command and readiness support to subordinate units in order to ensure they are prepared to deploy and conduct contingency operations. The 75th conducts civil support operations during natural and manmade disasters in support of state and local civilian authorities in Kentucky to save lives, protect property, and ensure public safety.