A new commander took the reins of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s most diverse brigade during a change of command ceremony November 2, 2024, at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Madison, Wis.

Col. Jade Beehler, the outgoing commander of 64th Troop Command, relinquished his duties to incoming commander Col. Kurt Southworth.

“Command is a privilege and an honor,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Strub, the Wisconsin National Guard’s Deputy Adjutant General for Army, and the ceremony’s presiding officer. “It’s also one of the most demanding assignments in the Army. It requires partnership and sacrifice from the whole family.”

Beehler served as the 64th Troop Command Commander from Apr. 2, 2022, to Nov. 2, 2024. During Beehler’s tenure, he led over 1,600 Soldiers across four battalions ensuring the highest levels of operational effectiveness and readiness through diverse mission sets. He was key to the brigade’s success on complex operations domestically and abroad.

Southworth previously served as the commander of 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment in Madison. Southworth also served as the Wisconsin National Guard’s J4, as the deputy J6, and the Deputy Brigade Commander of 64th Troop Command.

After officially taking command, Southworth had the opportunity to address the unit for the first time.

“I’m honored to embrace the privilege of commanding one of the finest and most diverse brigades in the nation,” said Southworth. “I understand that the opportunity to lead Soldiers and Airmen is one of the greatest gifts we can have, and I do not take this responsibility lightly.”

As commander of the 64th Troop Command, Southworth will be responsible for the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, 641st Troop Command Battalion, 732nd Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, and the 54th Civil Support Team.

A change of command is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility from a unit or command. The history, tradition, and accomplishments of the command are embodied in the colors. The passing of colors from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures the unit and Soldiers attached, are never without official leadership; representing a continuation of trust and allegiance of Soldiers to their unit’s commander.