Leadership changes for Wisconsin Guard's most diverse brigade

By Spc. Alyson Berzinski
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

"It is a privilege to wear this uniform, an honor to wear the patch, and it is a gift to command the 64th Troop Command," Col. Darrell Feucht, the outgoing commander of the 64th Troop Command, said in an emotional speech during a change of command ceremony Sept. 12 in Madison.

Feucht, a Columbus resident, formally transferred control of the 64th Troop Command to Col. Paul Russell of Sun Prairie.

Feucht assumed command of the 64th in August 2007 and immediately began instilling his philosophy to "provide fully capable Soldiers and units ready to deploy for any mission, anywhere, at any time, to support community, state and federal missions."

"The Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers of the 64th Troop Command are some of the most professional people I've had the privilege of working with," Feucht added.

Under his three years of leadership, the 64th TC has deployed the majority of its Soldiers and units in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and two state activations for flood relief. The 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment is presently deployed to Iraq.

The 64th Troop Command consists of nearly 1,700 Soldiers belonging to three battalions and 18 units, to include aviation, sustainment and support, personnel, Army band, transportation, maintenance, public affairs, rear area operations command and medical units. Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, described the 64th Troop Command as "the most diverse brigade" in the state.

Feucht has completed more than 26 years of military service and will continue his career as Wisconsin's Joint Staff logistics commander. In July Feucht was identified as the team leader for the Wisconsin National Guard's 2012 Agribusiness Development Team mission to Afghanistan. He also plans to continue his civilian career as the manager of facilities and contingency planning at Great Lakes Education Loan Services, and spend more time with his high school-aged twin sons, Andrew and Mitchell.

"People will forget what you said and what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," Feucht stated in his remarks to the incoming commander.

Russell, the incoming commander, enlisted into the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1982 and was a M60 tank driver and mechanic with Company A, 1st Battalion, 632nd Armor. Russell received his commission in 1985 through the Reserve Officer Training Course at Ripon College and transferred to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry where he served as weapons platoon leader, executive officer and company commander.

"I cannot think of a more sacred privilege than leading American Soldiers," Russell said durin the ceremony." I am nothing short of impressed by the quality of leadership and professionalism I have seen with the Soldiers in this command. I will work harder than anyone to ensure we accomplish our mission, communicate effectively, and provide the leadership you and your families deserve."

Russell deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 where he served with the Combined Joint 7 Division as chief of training for the Afghanistan National Police. Upon his return he resumed his position as the Counterdrug Program Manager and also served on the Joint Staff before assuming command of the 64th Troop Command.

Russell expressed his goals of expanding the 64th Troop Command's relationship with other services, such as the Navy and Marine Corps, when they make the move to the new armed forces reserve center next summer. He also included other goals, such as the readiness of the Soldiers, their families, and their employers.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of standing up the 64th into the primary domestic operations task force to provide even better support to the citizens of Wisconsin and our nation," Russell said.

"Col. Russell, the guidon is yours to lead, and you're a great choice for the job," Feucht said to Russell in his closing remarks.

Russell is a graduate of Merrill High School, Merrill, and holds a bachelor of science in Education from UW-Oshkosh, an MBA from Tourou University International and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy and Policy from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.