FAIRFIELD — When Col. Marlena A. DeCelle took command of the California Army National Guard 49th Military Brigade in March 2020, little did she know she would be overseeing response teams on the front lines of some of America’s most tumultuous times – the Covid-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests.
Unfazed, she jumped in, referring to it as a part of her job, which was to “deal with challenges in our society.”
DeCelle passed the baton Saturday at the National Guard headquarters in Fairfield to Lt. Col. Eric W.C. Sharyer at a change-of-command ceremony in front of colleagues, family and friends.
The 49th Military Police Brigade is the largest brigade-size unit in the California Army National Guard, with command and control of nearly 2,500 citizen-soldiers throughout the state. It has served in operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. It also supports California’s first responders during wildfires, landslides and civil disturbances.
Saturday, after the formation of troops, an invocation, presentation of the colors, and, of course, the national anthem, Gen. Timothy Rieger served as master of ceremonies, beginning with praise for DeCelle’s tenure as commander. He praised her “soldiers-first” mentality, which he said produced extraordinary results and achievements.
DeCelle said a few words as well in her own down-to-earth style, referring to her “badass” welcome when she began her two-year tour of service and how blessed and honored she was to have served.
“This is one of the best experiences of my career,” she said. “These are the most professional, committed individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to serve with,” adding they all “rolled deep.”
Then Sharyer took the microphone. Prior to becoming commander of the 49th Military Brigade, he served as deputy commander, with multiple tours around the world and several awards and decorations for his service.
“They say success has many fathers, but I have many fathers . . . and mothers,” he told the crowd. He also joked about a promotion he got in the past: He said, “There’s your desk, there’s your phone. You’re a smart guy, you’ll figure it out.”
Sharyer thanked many of the colleagues and soldiers he said he had the honor to serve with and whose mentorship got him where he is today. He also had kind words for DeCelle, calling her the “best of the bunch” and saying her “soldier-first emphasis” will be her “legacy.”
After each spoke, there was another invocation. But this is the Army National Guard; when your motto is, “Always ready,” you have to get back to work. Job one: Put a picture of DeCelle on the Commander Hall of Fame Wall inside.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
