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Presiding over the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Gregory Mason, assistant adjutant general – Army. Gargas takes over the command from Col. Sharon Martin who is now the commander of the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade located in Kansas City. Prior to the change of command Gargas was promoted to the rank of Colonel.
“Colonel Gargas is a proven leader of troops,” Mason said. “His selection as commander of 70th Troop Command ensures the brigade will continue to have outstanding leadership it is accustomed to.”
Gargas is looking forward to serving as commander.
“I'm honored to be granted the opportunity to lead the 70th Troop Command,” said Gargas. “This is the largest, and arguably, the most engaged brigade in the Missouri National Guard. This is a tremendous opportunity and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Having spent the majority of my career within the engineer brigade, I am excited about this broadening assignment as well.”
Troop Command is Missouri’s largest brigade with three battalions, two military police and one combat sustainment, and 7th Civil Support Team. The 17 units and 10 detachments are spread over 23 locations across the state and provides over 2,300 Soldiers to the force. Troop Command consistently deploys units and personnel along with yearly state emergency duty, most recent and notable is Show Me Protection in Ferguson which was the largest state mobilization in over 40 years.
Troop Command also includes the Homeland Response Force mission within FEMA Region VII, one of 10 in the nation. This mission includes components from the Air National Guard located at St. Joseph and Jefferson Barracks.
Gargas is a 1986 graduate of Kennett High School and his military career spans over 28 years with his enlistment in Alpha Company, 1140th Engineer Battalion in January of 1987. He later joined the simultaneous membership program as an ROTC cadet in September 1987 remaining with the 1140th Engineer Battalion. He commissioned as a second lieutenant on 13 may 1989 and was assigned as a platoon leader with the headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1140th Engineer Battalion. He deployed with the battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005.
Gargas national guard positions held are platoon leader with Headquarters, Headquarter Company and Charlie company 1140th engineer battalion, and the 1221st transportation Company, Company Executive Officer, Charlie company, 1140th Engineer Battalion, S1 (personnel officer) 1140th Engineer Battalion, Company Commander with Charlie company 1140th, assistant operations officer, S4 (logistics officer), and operations officer for the 35th Engineer Brigade, S3 (training and operations officer) and executive officer for the 1140th Engineer Battalion, engineer coordinator with 35th infantry division, S3 (training and operations officer) 35th Engineer Brigade, Commander 1140th Engineer Battalion, and Deputy Commander 35th Engineer Brigade.
Colonel Gargas has completed US Army airborne school, engineer officer basic course, master fitness trainer course, nuclear/biological/chemical defense course, and engineer officer advance course, combined arms services staff school, Command and General Staff College, and graduated from the US Army War College with a Master of Strategic Studies. He is a graduate of William Woods University with a master’s degree in business administration, and southeast Missouri state university with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a major in finance.
Gargas was accompanied by his wife Tina and son, Nate Gargas. Also in attendance were Brig. Gen. William Ward and State Command Sergeant Major Will Pierce.
A special thanks to the Bear Brass Ensemble from the Missouri Army National Guard 135th Army Band, located in Springfield who provided the music for this significant event.
For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog; www.pinterest.com/monationalguard/
Written By: Sgt. Maj. Jay W. Marsden
mo.ngpao@mail.mil
Published: 11/25/2015
Shown in the photo: Col. Edward Gargas (r) receives the unit colors from Brig. Gen. Gregory Mason (c) as Col. Sharon Martin stands (l), during the recent 70th Troop Command change of command ceremony. Troop Command is the largest brigade in the Missouri National Guard. The ceremony was held at Jefferson Barracks recently. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Maj. Jay W. Marsden).
Dexter, Missouri - Several Dexter Chamber members were on hand to commemorate the opening of the new location of Ozark Federal Credit Union in Dexter.
The special ribbon cutting was held at 1616 West Business Highway 60 with delicious treats for everyone to enjoy. Those who dropped in also were given free t-shirts. Who doesn't love good food and freebies?
Shown in the photo are Mark Stidham, Hillary Starnes, Chamber Executive Director, Chad Wolfram, Tim Aslin, Mayor Joe Weber, Connie Hampton, Bill Hampton, Kirk Monday, Christine Young, Kevin Bishop, Carol Monday, Davine Conover, Kim Crockett, and Lisa Gleason.
Kerigan Brady, Dexter High School Student Body President welcomed more than 2,000 Dexter students and several hundred guests and veterans from around Stoddard County. She also led the crowd with The Pledge of Allegiance.
Dexter Boy Scout Troop 200 presented the Colors and the Dexter High School Band performed the National Anthem.
Pastor George Nite of the First Baptist Church gave the invocation. Mayor Joe Weber performed the introduction of distinguished guests and introduced the high school band under the direction of Scott Rybolt with a Tribute to the Armed Services.
As each military song was played, Veterans of the military branches stood and saluted. Photos of the ceremony can be viewed on the ShowMe Times Facebook page in several photo albums.
SPC Katie Alsup, Missouri Army national Guard and Sheila Alsup, American Legion Auxiliary President were on hand to present the American Legion Auxiliary's 2nd Grade Coin Drive and Coloring Contest Winners, the 5th Grade Poster Contest Winners, and the 8th Grade Essay Contest Winners. (Each contest is written in a separate article on the ShowMe Times website under SCHOOLS.)
Mr. Herman Morse retired Sergeant of the United States Air Force was the guest speaker.
"All lives matter," commented Morse. "Whether we are talking about a skin color or a uniform color. The lives of the veterans, and those who lost or gave their lives - all lives matter. We should never forget their willingness to serve and we should never forget their sacrifice."
"Remember all gave some, and some gave all," he continued. "Don't forget the legacy of these veterans." He went on to recognize a few individuals in our community who have served in the military - the late Lt. Col. Cliff Manlove, Delores Bailiff, organizer of the Veterans Day event, Joe Weber, mayor of Dexter who served as a combat pilot during the Korean War and others who served.
Morse reminded the students that, "the well-being of our nation and our futures will be in your hands. For all of you from kindergarten to seniors, our community, our state, and our nation works best when people are willing to serve and willing to help out."
He encouraged the students to join a school club or volunteer in the community or just helping a neighbor. "Being a good citizen, YOU can make a difference."
"I encourage all of you to serve and to sacrifice in order that the legacy that all veterans served is preserved and remains intact. Remember all gave some, but some gave all."
Mr. Mitch Wood, Superintendent of Dexter Public Schools, gave the Sisler-Eskew-Parker Monument Wreath Presentation. This wreath can be viewed at City Hall in downtown Dexter.
A moment of silence and the playing of Taps concluded the ceremony.
Dexter, Missouri - The Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post #59 Honor Guard was created in 2007. Since that time they have attended more than 800 funerals to honor veterans one last time.
“Our first military funeral was in Brosley, Missouri in October of 2007,” commented Tom Love. He is a dedicated member of the American Legion and an Honor Guard member as well.
Robert Crow, Jerry Seabaugh, and Bill Alexander were among the first Honor Guard members and they have since passed away. Bill Pippins, Sr., Roger Hubbard, Jim Russell, Jim Adams, Gary Kitchen, Charles Smith, and Bill Miranda were also founding members of the Honor Guard.
Since that time many have served including Tom Love they are Eric Smith, Daryl LaPierre, Les Barker, Chuck Smith, David Vaughn, Randy Cannel, Bruce McClintock, Jeff Masterson, and Junior Cagle.
“Most funerals that have been performed are out at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield,” continued Love. “As time permits we will do military honors outside of Stoddard County. We have traveled to Kennett, East Prairie, Poplar Bluff, and Cape Girardeau.”
The State of Missouri gives the Honor Guard unit $100 for their time at a funeral and all monies have been donated to the American Legion Post #59 in Dexter. Those monies over the years have helped sponsor Boys State, Girls State, Missouri Highway Patrol Summer Camp for youth, local Boy Scout Troops, recognition of Outstanding Students, aid to local veterans, and Christmas gifts to veterans in nursing homes in the area.
Twice each year they host a Fishing Day and Fish Fry at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Along with funerals and other events, the Honor Guard participates in the Missing in Action service held each year at the cemetery. In addition to the Rifle Salute, the Honor Guard assists with the Flag Folding and presentation of the flag to the next of kin. They serve in parades, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, POW Ceremonies and Laying of the Wreaths at Christmas. They are very busy throughout the year and extremely active in our community.
“The Honor Guard receives no other outside assistance,” continued Love. “Members pay for all transportation, meals, uniforms, cleaning of uniforms, and any other expenses pertaining to the ceremony.”
This Honor Guard unit has never missed a single ceremony due to weather. They have performed in rain, freezing cold, sleet and snow and the stifling heat of summer to make sure a military service is performed for our heroes.
On this Veterans Day please remember those who still serve our country even into retirement. The Honor Guard never misses the call to duty when a soldier whether currently serving or served has passed on. He or she deserves a military service. They deserve our attention and most of all our prayers to their family.
The oldest member of the current Honor Guard is Jim Russell. He is 82 years old and still to this day serves and does what he can to honor the memory of a soldier to be buried. Many of the unit members are aging. Younger people are not stepping up to help as most funerals are during the day when they are working; therefore relying on the retired has become normal for the Honor Guard.
Anyone wishing to help either financial with a donation or by volunteering are asked to contact Eric Smith, Commander of the American Legion (573) 718-2021 or Gary Kitchen OIC of the Honor Guard at (573) 614-1370. Any branch of the military service man or woman may participate.
“Families appreciate the Honor Guard and are overwhelmed by their act of kindness,” Love said.
