SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/17/2017) (readMedia)-- Col. Mark Alessia of Sherman, Illinois, took command of the Illinois Army National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Urbana, Illinois, during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln, in Springfield, Illinois, Sunday, Sept. 17.
Alessia joined the Illinois National Guard in 1992 as an enlisted Infantry Soldier. He most recently served as the State Military Personnel Officer, and previously commanded the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Squadron, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Col. Henry Dixon of Chicago relinquished command of the 33rd having served as its commander since October 2014. He will be assigned as the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy of the Illinois National Guard.
Cutline 1: Col. Mark Alessia of Sherman, Illinois, takes the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's guidon from Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia, the Assistant Adjutant General-Army, Illinois National Guard during a change of command ceremony in Springfield, Illinois, Sept. 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)
Cutline 2: Col. Henry Dixon of Chicago, Illinois, thanks the assembled guests after relinquishing command of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team during a ceremony in Springfield, Illinois, Sept. 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)
Cutline 3: Col. Mark Alessia of Sherman, Illinois, shakes hand with Col. Henry Dixon of Chicago following a change of command ceremony in Springfield, Illinois, Sept. 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)