NC Guard Special Troops Battalion Holds Change of Command

GREENSBORO, NC (01/27/2011)(readMedia)-- The North Carolina National Guard's 113th Special Troops Battalion held a change of command ceremony at the North Carolina National Guard armory here today.

Army Lt. Col. Angela B. Jones handed over command of the unit to Army Lt. Col. Martin L. Peele.

"This afternoon, we will celebrate a time honored tradition of passing the colors from one commander to the next," said Army Maj. Regan Pyatt, the master of ceremonies for the event.

"Thank you for the support and good will with which you performed your duty," said Jones. "I will never forget your devotion to duty."

The outgoing lieutenant colonel also called her experience as the battalion commander as "the best experience in my life," and recognized Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Scott, the 113th STB command sergeant major, as "an excellent example of the NCO corps."

During the ceremony, Scott passed the colors to Jones, who passed the colors to Army Col. Elizabeth D. Austin, 113th Sustainment Brigade commander. Austin then passed the colors to Peele, charging him with the responsibility of the unit.

Jones, a native of Tarboro, N.C., earned her commission from the North Carolina A&T State University's Reserve Officers Training Corps program while receiving a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 1986. She also has a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from East Carolina University, a Master's in Health Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Pfeiffer University in 2008. Jones is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School and Command and General Staff College.

Jones' federal awards include: the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Her state awards include the North Carolina National Guard Meritorious Service medal, the NCNG Commendation Medal, and the NCNG State Active Duty Ribbon.

Jones currently works as the Nurse Manager of the Rehabilitation Hospital for WakeMed Health & Hospitals, where she has been employed for over 14 years. She lives in Garner, N.C., with her husband Ronald.

Peele, a native of Wilson, N.C., is a graduate of Campbell University. He received his commission through the university's Army ROTC program upon graduation. He currently works full-time as the 113th Sustainment Brigade Administrative Officer.

"Each of us must make a 'commitment to excellence,'" said Peele. "That commitment must be to the unit, each other and to ourselves.

"I ask you to make the commitment to excellence," he said. "Today, I make that commitment to you, as I pledge to give you my very best."