Alabama National Guard Unit Welcomes Former Deputy As Commander

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Photo by Army Spc. Jennifer Montagna, 131st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (01/10/2012)(readMedia)-- The Alabama Army National Guard's 135th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) held a Change of Command ceremony Jan. 7, 2012, at John Carroll High School in Birmingham, Ala., as Brig. Gen. (P) Reynold N. Hoover relinquished command to Col. (P) Donald B. Tatum.

"To the Soldiers and troopers of the 135th, the 1200th and the 731st, thank you for all that you have done for me, for your service to the state and our citizens during their time of need in April," said Hoover as he addressed the crowd including the 135th's subordinate units, the 1200th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion and the 731st Combat Support Sustainment Battalion. "For your sacrifices during your many deployments, thank you very much. It's been a great ride."

Hoover commanded the 135th during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010. He is now the commander of the 167th Theater Sustainment Command at Fort McClellan, Ala.

Tatum took command of the 135th following his assignment as the deputy commander.

"I'm just extremely humbled to take the colors today," said Tatum. "I look forward to the great things we're going to do together."

Cutline for photo: Col. (P) Donald B. Tatum, the new commander of the 135th Sustainment Command, hands off the unit colors for the first time during a change of command ceremony January 7. Tatum replaced Brig. Gen. (P) Reynold N. Hoover who took command of the 167th Theater Sustainment Command the following morning.