 |
| Outgoing commander Col. John Heath (left) passes the 265th Engineer Group guidon to Brig. Gen. Larry H. Ross, commander 78th Troop Command, during Heath’s change-of-command and retirement ceremony. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Curtis Porter III) |
124th MPAD
CHARLIE BROWN ARMY NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY,
His retirement to the civilian sector is the culmination of a career that he began 36 years ago as an enlisted Soldier.
“I wanted to leave the Guard on a proud note and this command has allowed me to do it,” said Heath with humbled tone as he stood before the family, friends and fellow warriors from across the state who crowed into the armory drill hall to offer him their congratulations and farewells. “I’m certainly sad to be leaving, it’s been great being part of such an organization as this but excited about the capable hands in which I’m leaving the 265th.”
Those hands belong to Col. Thomas H. Blackstock Jr., full-time director of the Georgia Guard’s Consolidated Facilities Management Office.
“I obviously have some big shoes to fill, but I have big feet and a great example to follow in colonel Heath.”
As for the 265th, Blackstock related that the unit has a “storied tradition of excellence” on which to build.
“And I will do my best to continue the ‘construction’ of that fine reputation,” he added.
Among the officials who came to wish Heath the best as he transitioned from Soldier to civilian was Brig. Gen. Larry H. Ross, commander 78th Troop Command in Decatur and the 265th’s parent unit.
Shortly after Heath turned over command of the engineer group to Blackstock, Ross presented Heath the
“Colonel Heath is a quality Soldier, a top officer, the type of person you go to when you need to get the job done right. I thank him for what he’s done and I thank him for his service.
Heath returned the sentiment, and in turn thanked the Soldiers of the 265th for their work.
“In all the years I have been a Soldier, I don’t know that I have ever been prouder of knowing and working with a group of people such as you,” he said. “Your determination to accomplish any mission you’re given, big or small, is surely an inspiration to all who come in contact with you. I know it has been for me.
“Again, thank you for what you do to make this unit the finest in the National Guard.”
Heath began his military career as an enlisted Soldier shortly after graduating from the
Heath received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1976. Eventually he would attend the Army Command and General Staff College and be promoted to the rank of colonel.
Heath has served in several command positions to include squad and platoon leader, and company commander. He took command of
Among the awards Heath has earned are the military’s Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one bronze service device, Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Georgia State Active Duty Medal with four silver boars head devices.
Heath and his wife Kay have been married for 32 years. As a civilian, Heath works as a financial advisor in