Kilgo assumes command of 78th

CAMP ZAMA, Japan -- LTC Mitchell L. Kilgo assumed command of the 784 Signal Battalion from LTC William Montgomery III June 28, 2004, in ceremony.

COL Brian J. Donahue, commander, 516th Signal Brigade officiated, and MAJ William Cater served as commander of troops. The 78th's CSM Darrell Calton helped pass the battalion colors to his former and new bosses.

In his remarks, Donahue thanked Montgomery and his wife Maria for their service the past two years. Montgomery will next be assigned to the Joint Command-South in Germany.

"Bill, your vision and leadership expertly guided the battalion's Soldiers, civilians and master labor contractors in significantly improving your portion of the Pacific LandWarNet in support of over 9,000 warfighters and other customers across eleven separate installations here on Honshu," Donahue said.

"All this in a period of great change in our Army--an Army at war, and transforming to a Campaign Quality Army with joint and expeditionary capabilities," Donahue continued.

Donahue singled out several battalion accomplishments under Montgomery's leadership, including an $11 million enhancement in information infrastructure and a tenfold increase in Secure Internet Protocol Network capability.

Donahue then welcomed Kilgo and his wife LaTonya to their new command.

"Mitch, I am confident you will enjoy the special challenges, responsibilities and opportunities with the U.S. Army Japan. You inherit a team of highly professional and dedicated Soldiers, civilians and MLCs to help you get the job done."

In addition to assuming command of the 78th, Kilgo serves concurrently as the G-6 for U.S. Army Japan and as the director of information management for the garrison.

Following the ceremony, the Kilgo's were welcomed to the 784 at a reception. Distinguished guests included MG Elbert Perkins, commanding general, USARJ; CSM Charles Hopkins of USARJ; and CSM James W. Anderson of 516th Signal Brigade.

Kilgo came to Japan from Fort Belvoir, Va., where he had served as Network Enterprise Technology Command's liaison officer to 1st Information Operations Command and the National Capitol Region, and as the chief, Information Assurance and Computer Network Defense Division, Army Network Operations and Security Center.

A distinguished military graduate and Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship recipient, Kilgo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and natural sciences from Virginia Union University in 1987 and a Master of Science degree in systems technology (joint command, control and communications) from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1995.

His company command was with Support Command, 1111th Signal Battalion, Fort Ritchie, Md., and Site-R. He later served as assistant chief of staff, deputy G-6, and executive officer, 122nd Signal Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.

Kilgo's awards and decorations include five Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Air Force Achievement Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.

Mr. McPherson is with the 516th Signal Brigade.

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