Illinois Army National Guard Col. David Helfrich, of Smithton, Illinois, incoming commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) receives the brigade’s colors from Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, of Naperville, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, during the change of command ceremony July 14 at the brigade’s headquarters on the campus of Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois.
230714-A-YR062-5574.JPG Photo By: Barbara Wilson, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - Illinois Army National Guard Col. David Helfrich, of Smithton, Illinois, incoming commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) receives the brigade’s colors from Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, of Naperville, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, during the change of command ceremony July 14 at the brigade’s headquarters on the campus of Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. The change of command ceremony is rich with symbolism and heritage dating back to medieval times when Soldiers often carried staffs or standards into battle that identified them as a unit. Throughout military history, unit colors would mark the position of the commander on the battlefield and served as a rallying point. In more recent times, the colors represent not only the history and heritage of the unit, but also the unity and loyalty of its Soldiers. The passing of the unit colors represents the transfer of authority and responsibility from one commander to another.


DOWNLOAD PHOTO (1.52 MB)


This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at http://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations.html , which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.



Back to Gallery