118th welcomes new commander
124th MPAD
July 27, 2007 – Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Reginald G. A. Neal assumed command of Savannah’s 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, replacing Lt. Col. Craig M. McGalliard, the outgoing commander, in a ceremony at the National Guard Training Center’s Donovan Parade Field on Fort Stewart.
McGalliard, who has commanded the 118th since September 2006, expects to take command of Glenville’s 122nd Rear Operations Center during the first week of August.
Neal, who once commanded the 118th’s Company C, is a mobilization planning officer with the Georgia Department of Defense in Atlanta.
“I understand the trust that is being placed with me in this command, and I understand the responsibility it entails,” said Neal, in remarks to his new Soldiers, well-wishers and official dignitaries.
Neal received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1989 after graduating from Georgia Military College. He has held several key staff positions over the course of his military career, including that of chief of staff for the Army Reserve’s 4th Brigade, 87th Division, and senior operations officer the active Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
Neal also served in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom I as a battle major with 5 Corps, U. S. Army. Five Corps headquartered at Campbell Barracks, Heidelberg, Germany.
His civilian education includes a bachelor’s degree from Statesboro’s Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree in education from The Citadel in Charleston, S. C.
He also is a graduate of the American Management Association Strategic Management Course, and he is qualified as a hazardous materials technician through the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
On the military side, Neal has completed field artillery officer basic and advanced courses, Combined Arms Staff Service School, Command and General Staff Officer Course, Paladin Commander’s Course, and Airborne School.
Among his military awards are the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
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Maj. Reginal G. A. Neal assumes command of the 118th Field Artillery. (Natioinal Guard Photo by PFC Adam Dean)
