Public Affairs Detachment receives new Commander

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/14/2014)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard's 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) gained a new commander Aug. 9, at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Capt. Dustin Cammack of Chicago took over as commander from Maj. Nathan Westby of Sussex, Wisconsin, at the change of command ceremony held under the armory shade trees.

Cammack addressed the unit for the first time as commander and expressed his excitement at taking command.

"This truly is an honor for me," said Cammack. "I am very excited at taking command of such a unique unit. I look forward to working with all of you during our deployment to Guantanamo Bay next year."

Westby, who will retire later this the month after 24 years of service, finished his career as commander of the 139th MPAD and reflected on his career and time spent with the unit.

"As the commander of the MPAD, I think anyone that listens to and involves the officers and NCO's in the unit in planning and executing training will be successful," said Westby. "This unit has a lot of great leaders who have a lot of experience, and not just experience in public affairs or journalism. Many of the Soldiers in this unit have come from other career fields in the military and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise."

The change of command ceremony is a military tradition deeply rooted in history and dates back to the times of the Roman Legion. In that period, military organizations developed flags that were unique to the organization with specialized colors and designs. When Soldiers followed their leaders into battle, they kept sight of the flag. If the banner still waved after the conflict, it was a sign their side had won.Having this position of importance, the flag was incorporated into change of command ceremonies. The organizational banner was exchanged in public for all to see the one who holds the flag is the unchallenged leader of the armies. Modern day ceremonies are principally symbolic, yet it still indicates to all the authority of the incoming commander.

Photo 1: Capt. Dustin Cammack (left) passes the unit colors to 1st Sgt. Mike Chrisman of Athens, Illinois as part of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment's change of command ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Aug. 9. Cammack assumed command from Maj. Nathan Westby, who is retiring after more than 24 years in the military and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th MPAD, Illinois National Guard)

Photo 2: Maj. Nathan Westby (left), outgoing commander of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Springfield, Illinois, and Col. Michael Glisson, commander of the 65th Brigade pass the unit colors as part of the 139th's change of command ceremony. Westby is retiring after more than 24 years in the military and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th MPAD, Illinois National Guard)