Wisconsin's 128th Air Control Squadron welcomes new commander

Date: May 6, 2010
By Tech Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

For the first time in nearly 15 years, a new commander leads Wisconsin's 128th Air Control Squadron. Lt. Col. Gerry Iverson formally assumed command of the ACS during a change-of-command ceremony at Volk Field Saturday (May 1).

Iverson thanked his fellow Airmen and Wisconsin National Guard leaders for the trust and opportunity to lead such a great unit. He said the significance of the change of command is less about himself or and more about the unit.

"We're closing another chapter in the illustrious career of the 128th Air Control Squadron and we're opening a new one," Iverson said.

Iverson assumed command from the 128th's longest-standing commander since the unit's inception in 1947. Lt. Col. Herb Dannenburg will retire following 28 years of service - the last 15 leading the air control unit. Dannenburg thanked his Airmen and their families, and Wisconsin military leaders for their support over the years. He also offered some promising words to his successor.

"If your stints as commander turns out to be half as good as mine, it's going to be a great and awesome job," Dannenburg said.

The 128th is a mobile radar/communications unit that supports air operations from the ground. The 128th has more than 125 traditional Guard members and about 30 full-time employees. The unit most recently returned in October from a deployment to Southwest Asia but has conducted multiple deployments in support of the global war on terror since Sept. 11, 2001.

Volk Field Command Col. Gary Ebben pledged his support for Iverson and said he expects the great work from the 128th will continue.

"I have just extreme confidence in Col. Iverson," Ebben said. "I think the 128th ACS is very fortunate to march forward with him as the leader."

Iverson, who hails from a small, rural town in southeastern Wisconsin, said he is proud of what he's been able to achieve thus far. He also acknowledged some keys to success that will help him lead the 128th in the future.

"Never in my 35 years did I ever think this would happen," Iverson said. "It just goes to show a little bit of hard work and a little bit of dedication can take you a long way."