DNG hosts multiple events over weekend

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Delaware National Guard hosts multiple events over the weekend

Over the weekend of July 9-10, the Delaware National Guard will host a series of events, from changes of command to a welcome home ceremony.

Saturday, July 9th:

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Miller will relinquish authority as the State Command Sgt. Maj. to Command Sgt. Maj. Don Catalon. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Smyrna Readiness Center, 103 Artisan Drive, Smyrna, Del.

Command Sgt. Maj. Catalon served many roles in his more than 25 years with the Delaware National Guard, from platoon sergeant to Command Sgt. Maj. of multiple units. He resides in Smyrna with his wife Marissa.

Command Sgt. Maj. Miller enlisted as a multi-channel radio operator and progressed through the ranks in his over 25 year career. He will retire to his home in New Jersey with his wife Kathleen.

Brig. Gen. James Begley will relinquish command of the Delaware Army National Guard to Brig. Gen. Michael Berry. The ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Smyrna Readiness Center, 103 Artisan Drive, Smyrna, Del.

Brig. Gen. Michael Berry received his commission in May, 1989 from the University of Delaware, Reserve Officers' Training Corp. He assumed the duties of Land Component Commander in December, 2013. He lives in Georgetown with his Karen.

General Begley received his commission in May, 1985 from the Virginia Military Institute. He assumed duties as the Assistant Adjutant General, Army, and Commander, Delaware National Guard in October, 2014. General Begley leaves his current position for one at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, VA. He lives in Virginia with his wife Jina.

Col. Robert Culcasi will relinquish command of the 166th Airlift Wing Operation Group to Lt. Col. Chris Kilcullen. The ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Loeffel Room, 2600 Spruance Drive, New Castle, Del.

Lt. Col. Kilcullen began his Air Force career in 1990, specializing in airborne command post communication systems. His expertise as a pilot led him to be a training instructor and evaluator. He has over 5,000 flying hours.

Col. Culcasi began his military career in 1989. He has over 6,400 flight hours and has held numerous command positions. He leaves his current position to assume the duties as the 166th Airlift Wing Commander.

Sunday, July 10th:

The 166th Airlift Wing will host a welcome home ceremony for approximately 100 Airmen. The ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the New Castle Air National Guard Base, Building 2902, Main Hangar, 2600 Spruance Drive, New Castle, Del.

Most of the returning Airmen are from the Mission Support Group, however, some are from the Medical and Operations Groups. The communications flight led the second largest Air Force communications hub, providing services to 11 nations. Some Airmen served on hazardous response teams, while others were responsible for the maintenance of close to 900 facilities, or keeping deployed personnel medically qualified.

Parking is available at the Boeing lot, with shuttles running every 10 minutes. For more information please contact 1st Lt. Val Harwood at 302-222-5517 (valerie.k.harwood.mil@mail.mil ).

The ceremony also kicks off the 166th Airlift Wing "Family Day." Airmen and their families are invited to enjoy a day filled with food and fun! All kids are asked to wear their favorite superhero t-shirt!

The 198th Expeditionary Signal Battalion and the 261st Theater Tactical Signal Brigade will hold a joint change of command ceremony. The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Smyrna Readiness Center, 103 Artisan Drive, Smyrna, Del.

Lt. Col. Wiley Blevins will relinquish command of the 198th to Lt. Col. Vincent Orlando.

Orlando began his career as a field wireman in 1983. Upon receiving his commission, he held various positions, most recently as the Deputy Brigade Commander for the 261st. He serves as the full time Deputy G-6. He resides in Milford with his wife, Liza.

Blevins began his career as a single channel radio operator in 1986. After receiving his commission, he held various positions throughout the Guard. He serves as the full time Director of Military Support. He resides in Wilmington with his wife, Carol and their children Isabelle and Wiley III.

Col. Karen Berry will relinquish command of the 261st to Lt. Col. James Benson.

Benson commissioned through the Delaware National Guard Officer Candidate School in 1992. Upon receiving his commission he served in various positions throughout the Guard. He is employed with Key Point Government Solutions and resides in Virginia.

Berry received her commission through the University of Delaware, Reserve Officers' Training Corp. in 1990. She has served the Guard in numerous positions. Col. Berry is employed by the Indian River School District and lives in Georgetown with her husband Mike. 

The ceremonies are open to the public and the media are invited to attend.

For more information please contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 302-540-0134 (leonard.a.gratteri.mil@mail.mil ) or 2nd Lt. Wendy Callaway at 302-270-0720 (wendy.m.callaway.mil@mail.mil mailto:wendy.m.callaway.mil@mail.mil).