Hometown Military News: June 22, 2015

Posted on June 22, 2015
404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Col. Troy Phillips of Springfield outgoing commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade hands the brigade colors to Brig. Gen Michael Zerbonia of Chatham the Land Forces Component Commander for the Illinois Army National Guard, signifying the end of his command. The 404th MEB held their change of command ceremony June 14 at the Corn Crib Stadium in Normal. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Hometown Military News for June 22, 2015:

404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Normal makes leadership changes

By Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

NORMAL – The 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade based in Normal conducted a change of command ceremony June 14 at the Corn Crib Stadium in Normal.

During the ceremony, Col. Byron Lloyd of Springfield took command of the 404th MEB from Col. Troy Phillips of Petersburg.

Phillips said he is excited to move on, but was honored to command the 404th through a challenging period in the unit’s history.

“It’s kind of a bittersweet moment. I’ve worked with a lot of the Soldiers out here for the last four to five years,” said Phillips. “It’s truly been an honor for me.”

“It’s been an interesting unit to command, transitioning from a chemical brigade to a maneuver enhancement brigade with new equipment and new missions,” he continued. “But I know that the brigade is in good hands with Col. Byron Lloyd.”

Lloyd said that he is excited to be the brigade’s next commander. Lloyd was acting brigade commander while Phillips was deployed to Afghanistan knows the challenges that will come with the new assignment.

“I’m very excited, it’s something that I’ve been looking forward to my whole career,” said Lloyd.

Phillips will be moving to Joint Forces Headquarters based in Springfield, Illinois to serve as the M-Day personnel officer for the state.

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