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NEWS | Oct. 16, 2020

Champaign Soldier Assumes command of Chicago unit

Lt. Col. Timothy Newman, of Champaign, Illinois, assumed command of the 108th Sustainment Brigade, during a ceremony at the Northwest Armory, Kedzie Ave., Chicago, Illinois, on Sep. 12.

Newman now leads a unit with a storied history, stationed at a historic landmark of Chicago. Known as “Chicago’s Brigade” the 108th most recently deployed to Iraq in 2019-2020. Originally known as the 108th Quartermaster Regiment, with a unit insignia that dates to 1939, the unit has been a part of the Illinois National Guard since 1964. The 108th is a highly diverse unit in the nature of the city they represent making them a highly capable force.

Newman assumed command from two officers of the 108th, Col. Justin Osberg and Col. Gerald Newman. The brigade supported two rotations to Iraq, with Osberg and Newman each leading one while the other commanded the 108th at home.

Newman’s command of the 108th is the latest achievement in a 21-year military career. During his remarks he stressed his excitement to work with the men and women of the 108th.

“The reputation of the 108th precedes you, and the work that the Soldiers have done, here at home, and on deployment has been noticed across the Army,” Newman said. “I look forward to building on that hard work, and continuing to strive for excellence as Chicago’s Brigade.”