Lewiston, Skowhegan-based engineer unit changes hands

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LEWISTON, MAINE (11/18/2022) (readMedia)-- The 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company (EVCC) held a change of command ceremony on November 6, 2022, in which Capt. Russell Boynton turned over command of the unit to incoming commander Capt. Timothy Kelley.

Boynton has held the position for the last three years and will be transitioning to a staff position with the 240th Regional Training Institute in Bangor, Maine. "I had the privilege in August 2019 to take command," said Boynton. "No one could anticipate a pandemic and the challenges of training in this environment. The soldiers of this unit adapted and performed exceptionally."

"I know Capt. Kelley is going to do a great job as the incoming commander," said Boynton in his remarks. "I could not think of a better individual to continue the great things that are being accomplished here."

Kelley thanked Boynton for his mentorship and guidance, as well as for maintaining the unit at such a high level of proficiency.

Kelley returns to the 136th after seven years with other units. "I feel like I'm coming home," said Kelley during his remarks to the unit. "I look forward to getting to work with all of you and getting the opportunity to know those of you that I don't already know."

Kelley began his career in the Maine Army National Guard 17 years ago by enlisting as a carpentry and masonry specialist while still attending high school and was assigned to what was then B Company, 133rd Engineer Battalion in Westbrook, Maine (now the 262nd Engineer Company) and later the 136th in Lewiston.

Upon commissioning, Kelley was assigned as a platoon leader with the 185th Engineer Support Company in Caribou, Maine. He was later assigned to the 262nd Engineer Construction Company in Westbrook, Maine as a platoon leader and executive officer. He served as a detachment officer-in-charge during the 262nd deployment to the Southwest Border in 2020-21, and has most recently been assigned to 133rd Engineer Battalion's headquarters company in Brunswick as a battle captain in the operations section. Kelley, his wife Katrice, and two sons Grayson and Oliver reside in Buxton.

Boynton enlisted into the Maine Army National Guard 20 years ago as a carpentry and masonry specialist and deployed with A Company, 133rd Engineer Battalion, to Mosul, Iraq in 2005 before commissioning 6 years later and being assigned to the 136th in Lewiston, Maine and 262nd Engineer Company in Belfast, Maine as a platoon leader. He was subsequently assigned to the 185th Engineer Support Company in Caribou, Maine as executive officer and 133rd Engineer Battalion in Brunswick as a battle captain prior to his tenure as the 136th commander. Boynton and his wife, Kristina, reside in Portland.

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Captions:

Image 1

Lt. Col. Lisa Sessions (right), Commander of the 133rd Engineer Battalion shakes Capt. Russell Boynton's hand offering congratulations on a job well done during the 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company change of command ceremony November 6, 20222 in Lewiston, Maine. (Photo Credit Sgt. Alaina Marson)

Image 2

Family, friends and soldiers of the 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company look on as the outgoing commander, Capt. Russell Boynton holds the company guidon for the last time during Sunday's change of command ceremony November 6, 2022 in Lewiston, Maine. (Photo Credit Sgt. Alaina Marson)

Image 3

Soldiers of the 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company look on as the new commander, Capt. Timothy Kelley holds the company guidon, accepting his role and responsibility for the unit during Sunday's change of command ceremony November 6, 2022 in Lewiston, Maine. (Photo Credit Sgt. Alaina Marson)