DRAPER, Utah –
The 97th Troop Command, Utah Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-command ceremony at the Lundell Readiness Center on Camp Williams, Utah, March 13, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Tammy Manwaring relinquished command to Lt. Col. Eric Wiedmeier.
The change-of-command ceremony is a tradition where the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes responsibility and authority by passing the brigade colors to the incoming commander, thus beginning a new dawn of leadership for the incoming commander and the brigade.
Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith, the assistant adjutant general-Army, Utah National Guard, spoke about his time working with Manwaring and his appreciation of her dedication to the 97th TC.
“We’ve sat in counsel many times over the last couple years and she was always on top of everything,” said Smith.
During her two-year command of the 97th TC, the brigade responded to earthquakes, civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. Manwaring credits the ability to persevere as a brigade to teamwork. She plans to instill the same principles of collaboration and partnership at her future position as the director of personnel (G1) for the Utah National Guard.
“It takes a team to be successful,” said Manwaring. “They have a great team in the G1 already, and I just want to keep mentoring, keep communication open, and keep the success going forward.”
Wiedmeier, who previously served as the officer in charge of domestic operations, implored his new brigade staff to think outside the box and strive for continual improvement.
“I dislike the phrase if it ain’t broke don't fix it,” said Wiedmeier. “There is always something to fine tune and hone in. And I look forward to being a part of that over the next two years.”
The 97th TC provides command and support to a variety of assigned units, including the Homeland Response Force and Military Engagement Team. Additionally, they provide trained and equipped forces available during war time, national emergencies, and contingency mobilizations throughout the state.