Toms River native takes command of the NJ National Guard’s largest element
Col. Kenneth S. Schechter (left) of Toms River assumes of command of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team by passing the brigade flag to Command Sgt. Major David Kenna, of Newfield. Photo by Sgt. Wayne Woolley, DMAVA Public Affairs Office
By Spc. Patrick Nogan, 444th MPAD, New Jersey Army National Guard
Col. Kenneth Schechter was handed the reins of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s largest element as the Toms River native took command of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at a ceremony Sunday (March 7) at the Lawrenceville Armory, The 50th Brigade returned last year from the state’s largest combat deployment since World War II. Schechter takes over for Col. Steven Ferrari, of Berlin, who led the 50th Brigade during its 2008-2009 Iraq deployment. Schechter served as deputy commander during the brigade’s combat tour. The unit, which traces its history to World War I, is known as the “Jersey Blues.”
Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, the state Adjutant General and commander of New Jersey’s National Guard told the troops gathered for the ceremony that the brigade has a rich history and dedicated troops. “The Brigade has gone through a major transformation,” Rieth said. “We need to ensure we take care of the individual Soldier.”
Schechter said that serving with the brigade in Iraq was a milestone in his career and he was eager to command the storied unit. “We must balance the needs of our soldiers with our military responsibilities,” he said. “There is no greater honor than being a Commander.”
Schechter began his military career by enlisting in the Pennsylvania National Guard in January 1984 and received his officer’s commission from the Weidner University ROTC program. Some of Colonel Schechter’s previous military assignments, in the New Jersey Army National Guard, include Liaison Officer, Full –Time Support Force Training Officer, and Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company with the 1st and 2nd Battalion’s 102nd Armor. Schechter currently resides in Toms River with his wife of 23 years, Brenda, and their two children David (22) and Samantha (20).
Chris VanZant
