Maine Army National Guard Holds Change of Command Ceremony for Land Component Commander

Preston relinquishes command to Dionne after 34 years of service

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AUGUSTA, ME (12/08/2024) (readMedia)-- Brig. Gen. Dean Preston formally handed over duties of the Maine Army National Guard "Land Component Commander" to Brig. Gen. William Dionne during a change of command ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.

The Land Component Commander oversees the Maine Army National Guard and is responsible for the training, operations, and welfare of all its soldiers. This weekend's ceremony marked the conclusion of Preston's 34-year military career and celebrated his retirement after a lifetime of service to the nation and the state of Maine.

Brig. Gen. Dianne Dunn – the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard and Commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management – served as the presiding official and spoke glowingly of both the incoming and outgoing officers. Dunn oversees the Maine National Guard in its entirety – to include both the Army and Air components.

"Brig. Gens. Preston and Dionne have navigated long and distinguished careers," said Dunn. "Their leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the readiness and resilience of the Maine Army National Guard. We're so grateful for everything Dean (Preston) and his family have done for us over the years, but we're also excited to welcome Will (Dionne) and his family to the position."

Preston now moves on to focus on his duties as the principal of Calais Middle / High School after an illustrious career as a true "civilian soldier." Commissioned in 1990, Preston served in numerous leadership roles in the MEARNG, to include command of Alpha Company, 133rd Engineer Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He eventually took command of the 133rd in its entirety, leading the unit through a tour to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

As final honors, Preston was awarded the Legion of Merit, received several tokens of appreciation from former teammates, and was presented with an American flag that flew over Camp Chamberlain.

In his "spare time," Preston has dedicated over 20 years to coaching basketball in Washington County and was named Penobscot Valley Conference Class C Boy's Coach of the Year in February. Preston and his wife, Avery, live in Perry and are proud parents to one daughter, Holly, and one son, Cody.

Dionne, the incoming Land Component Commander, brings 32 years of National Guard experience and leadership to the role. Dionne has held a multitude of key positions, to include multiple combat deployments in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dionne, who resides in Bangor with his wife Annmarie, will now command the Maine Army National Guard and assume responsibility for the readiness of the Maine Army National Guard's units. His highest honors include the Bronze Star Medal and the Order of Saint Maurice Medal.

With the change of command complete, Dionne pledged to uphold the standards set by his predecessor. "It is a privilege to lead this exceptional organization," Dionne said. "I look forward to continuing our mission of service and excellence."

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Photo Captions:

001: Brig. Gen. Dean Preston passes a ceremonial Army flag to Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn, signifying that he has relinquished duties as the Land Component Commander of the Maine Army National Guard in a ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta on Dec. 7, 2024.

002: Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn, the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, passes a ceremonial Army flag to Brig. Gen. William Dionne, signifying that he has officially assumed duties as the Land Component Commander of the Maine Army National Guard.

003: The Maine Army National Guard's Honor Guard presents the colors during the Land Component Commander Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta on Dec. 7, 2024.

004: Lt. Col. Norman Stickney welcomes the official party during the Land Component Commander Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta on Dec. 7, 2024.

005: Brig. Gen. Dean Preston and Avery Preston converse with Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn, The Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, following Preston's retirement ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta on Dec. 7, 2024.

006: Avery Preston receives a certificate of appreciation from the United States Army for her faithful support and service over the duration of her husband, Brig. Gen. Dean Preston's, 34-year Army career.

007: Chaplain Earl Weigelt delivers the invocation during the Land Component Commander Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta on Dec. 7, 2024.

008: Brig. Gen. William Dionne and his family look on as Brig. Gen. Dean Preston provides remarks during the Land Component Commander Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta on Dec. 7, 2024.

009: Brig. Gen. Dean Preston thanks his family, friends, and teammates during his retirement ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta on Dec. 7, 2024.

010: Col. James Young, Chief of Staff of the Maine Army National Guard, presents Brig. Gen. Dean Preston with a shadow box encompassing Preston's awards, decorations, and accomplishments over his 34-year career.

Photos by Maj. Nick Erickson, Maine National Guard.