Col. Jason Osberg of Champaign, Illinois, relinquished command of the 65th Troop Command to Col. Max Casteleyn of Mundelein, Illinois, in a ceremony Aug. 27 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Peoria.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that symbolized the transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. This transition ensures the continuity and effectiveness of the unit's mission, operations, and commitment to service.
Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Jones, 65th Troop Command's senior enlisted leader, handed over the colors to Osberg, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant General Adjutant General - Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard. This act symbolized loyalty, mission accomplishment, and lasting leadership. The colors were then passed to Casteleyn, who accepted command.
“We've improved a lot of things across the board, but it should keep going forward. That's the beauty in the way the Army is organized and set up. Hand it off to the next commander and continue to march and improve as best you can,” Osberg said.
During Osberg's tenure, the unit achieved remarkable milestones. Company C, 260th Military Intelligence Battalion, recently welcomed back Soldiers returning from peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. First Battalion, 106th Assault Helicopter Regiment deployed in February to Kuwait as part of Operation Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield. Additionally, the 176th Cyber Protection Team is readying for the 2024 Cyber Shield. Troops at home under Osberg’s leadership aided in community events like the Polish Constitution Day Parade and Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair, where the 144th Army Band performed.
Osberg is a combat veteran who commanded an aviation lift company in Iraq in 2003. He also deployed to Kosovo as a battalion operations officer.
During the ceremony, Osberg was honored for his 33 years of service as he retired from the Illinois Army National Guard. He received a certificate of appreciation from the Commander in Chief, President Joe Biden, along with certificates recognizing his many years of service and retirement from the Army Chief of Staff.
Bringing a wealth of experience from 27 years of service, Casteleyn joins the 65th Troop Command, having held key leadership positions. He has led troops at various levels, from platoon to battalion, commanding the 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and the 244th Digital Liaison Detachment. Casteleyn has deployed to the Middle East, South-Central Asia, and the Balkans.
In his remarks, Casteleyn embraced fresh responsibilities and extended gratitude to the family, friends, and colleagues present at the ceremony.
“The Army lethality begins with each and every one of us through our actions and mindset by fostering an organization where every Guardsman feels valued, trusted and given an opportunity to succeed,” he said. “We shall solidify our team and therefore we are ready to answer the call to serve the people of Illinois and our nation.”