33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team changes commander

Story by Pfc. Allison Lampe, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

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Col. Paul C. Hastings of St. Charles, Ill., commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Urbana, Ill., passes the colors to Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti, Acting, The Adjutant General.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Story by Pfc. Allison Lampe, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

URBANA – Col. Paul C. Hastings of St. Charles, relinquished command of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) to Col. Mark C. Jackson of Frankfort, during a change of command ceremony at the Urbana National Guard Armory Nov. 4.

Jackson accepted the 33rd IBCT's colors from Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti, Acting, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard.

Jackson began his 28-year military career with the 33rd IBCT.

"I'm just honored to serve them," said Jackson."I've known a lot of the Soldiers for many years. I grew up in part of this brigade, so for me it is a homecoming and I just look forward to serving as the commander."

During his farewell speech, Hastings said he looks forward to seeing where the 33rd IBCT goes in the future.

"I know Mark Jackson and I know he's going to take things far," said Hastings.

As for the 33rd IBCT, "Suffice to say words cannot adequately express how proud I am to have served as the commander of the 33rd Brigade these past three years," said Hastings. "Most assuredly the 33rd Brigade is the best infantry brigade combat team in the Army National Guard."

"Colonel Jackson, as a former infantry battalion commander, will continue this focused drive of building the brigade," said Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy E. Beck. "Colonel Jackson will be committed to the brigade's officers, NCOs and Soldiers in their training, readiness, family care and welfare as we head into the future and the missions tasked to the 33rd IBCT."

Hastings will continue his career in Joint Force Headquarters and serve as a traditional Guardsman operations officer.

Photo captions:

U.S. Army photo by Allison Lampe, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs/ Col. Paul C. Hastings of St. Charles, Ill., commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Urbana, Ill., passes the colors to Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti, Acting, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard in a change of command ceremony Nov. 4, 2012. Command was passed to Col. Mark C. Jackson of Frankfurt, Ill.

U.S. Army photo by Allison Lampe, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs/ Col. Mark C. Jackson of Frankfort, Ill., newly appointed commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) based in Urbana, Ill., completes the passing of the colors during a change of command ceremony Nov. 4, 2012. Jackson takes over for Col. Paul C. Hastings after three years of leading the 33rd IBCT.

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil.