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Brigadier Gen. Larry Dudney accepts the guidon of 78th Troop Command from Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Army Guard Commander (Photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)
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By Staff Sgt. Roy Henry
Georgia National Guard
Public Affairs Office
Click Here for video of the change of command
Jan. 6, 2007 – Brig. Gen. Larry E. Dudney Jr. assumed command of
Dudney, who has commanded the 78th since November 2007, is the former commander of
"I am genuinely humbled to be standing here today," Dudney said in his address to the Soldiers, families and friends attending the ceremony. "It is truly an honor to be your commander, and I look forward to the days ahead as we begin our service together."
Troop Command’s reputation for excellence is known across the state and the nation, Dudney added. It’s well-earned and speaks for its self, he said.
Ross, who led Troop Command from May 2004 to November last year, has moved to a position with the Georgia Guard’s new Defense Support of Civil Authorities Office. He serves alongside Colonel retired Don Venn, Colonel Greg Edwards, and Lt. Col. retired Steve Kuhn.
Turning his attention to his predecessor, Dudney pointed out how Ross has served the Guard and his Soldiers with the professionalism and distinction over the years the two have known each other.
To Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt,
General Dudney began his military career as an enlisted Soldier and cannon fire direction specialist with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery. He was later commissioned a second lieutenant and served with Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 214th and as the battalion’s Battery C commander.
Dudney volunteered to join 1st Battalion, 230th Field Artillery in November 1990 when it mobilized along with what was then 48th Infantry Brigade for the first Gulf War.
During that mobilization, he served as assistant brigade support officer. After mobilization, he remained with the 48th, serving as fire support officer for the brigade and for the battalion.
Besides his stint as deputy commander and commander, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Dudney has also commanded 1st Battalion of the 214th. Other assignments have been strategic planner for the Director of the Army National Guard in Washington; Headquarters Department of the Army Working Review Office; and as a member of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, for Programs in the Army Quadrennial Defense Review Office.
Dudney moved on to serve as senior Army National Guard advisor – United States Forces Korea – and Eight United States Army at Yongsan Garrison.
His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Dudney also holds four Meritorious Service medals, three Army Commendation medals and the Army Achievement Medal.