Lt. Col. Paul Harron assumed command of the North Dakota National Guard's 164th Engineer Battalion after a change of command ceremony Oct. 29 at the Minot Armed Forces Reserve Center.
Harron of Bismarck, who recently returned from a yearlong peacekeeping mission to Kosovo, replaced outgoing commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Holzworth, also of Bismarck, who is joining the Joint Force Headquarters unit in Bismarck.
"Jeff has been completely dedicated to the 164th Engineer Battalion," said Col. Mike Aberle, commander of the 68th Troop Command and former 164th commander, who participated in the change-of-command ceremony. "He thoroughly understands the battalion inside and out and has successfully led this important unit ensuring its continued success."
Holzworth was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and a plaque from the battalion and for his efforts as commander.
"My goal is to maintain the level of excellence that the 164th Engineer Battalion is known for and to ensure the battalion is prepared to meet any future missions in support of our communities, state and nation," said Harron.
"Lt. Col. Harron has been a dedicated soldier and we have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead this battalion," said Aberle.
"I think he is very excited to come in and ready for the challenge," said Holzworth, who started in the 164th as a lieutenant in 1991, and has spent 15 years with the battalion in various capacities. "I am excited for the change but I'm really going to miss serving in this battalion."