DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Marietta, Ga., Jan. 8, 2012 – Soldiers of the 78th Aviation Troop Command (one of the Georgia Army Guard’s five major commands) said farewell to Col. Brent E. Bracewell, who has served as the unit’s commander for the past four years, and welcomed their new commander, Col. Brock Gaston, during a ceremony here at Army Aviation Flight Facility No. 2.

Just prior to the change of command ceremony, Gaston – who previously commanded the 78th’s 171st Aviation Battalion, and who comes to the 78th from his position as deputy commander of Columbus’ 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade – was promoted to his current rank of colonel by Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, the commanding general of the Georgia Army Guard.

“Gaston is certainly no stranger to this command, and is welcomed back to the aviation community,” Jarrard said. “I have every confidence that he will maintain the level of excellence for which the 78th Aviation Troop Command is known, and will keep Georgia Army Guard aviation at the forefront of all National Guard activity.”

Stepping to the podium, Gaston said he appreciates the confidence Jarrard and Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, Georgia’s Adjutant General, have in allowing him to take the reigns of an “already stellar organization.”

“It is my goal to move this unit to the next level of excellence and make Georgia the pre-eminent and most progressive aviation state in the nation,” Gaston said. “We will do this by maintaining our standards across the board, developing our leaders, continuing to modernize our aircraft and developing strategic programs so that we, and the Georgia Guard, are poised for future success.”   

With the passing of the 78th’s guidon from Bracewell to Jarrard to Gaston, Bracewell can now concentrate his efforts toward his new job as director of the Georgia Guard’s Joint Staff. Bracewell has also been selected for promotion to brigadier general.

“Bracewell joins a long line of leaders who have left their distinctive mark on the 78th and Georgia Guard aviation over the years,” Jarrard said. “Colonel Bracewell has provided invaluable leadership during his tenure, and we among the command staff look forward to serving alongside him and to what he can, and will, help us accomplish as director of the joint staff.”

Bracewell, who received the Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal for his service as commander of the 78th, says the command’s success under his leadership belongs as much to the Guardsmen who fill its ranks as it may to him.

“To the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, warrant officers and officers of the 78th, I say ‘thank you’ for your diligent support, dedication and professionalism during our time together. Though I am only across the flight ramp now, I will certainly miss being here with you. To General Jarrard and General Butterworth, thank you for allowing me to become part of your team. I appreciate your leadership and your mentorship as we work together to make the Georgia National Guard the best organization in the nation.”    

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry

Public Affairs Office

Georgia Department of Defense