BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho National Guard saw a change of command through a time-honored tradition at Gowan Field.
Major General Timothy Donnellan is now serving as the 26th Adjutant General of Idaho and Commander of the Idaho National Guard, leading both the Idaho Army and Air National Guard.
The change of command took place during a ceremony at Gowan Field on Tuesday, where Governor Brad Little praised outgoing commander Major General Michael Garshak for his service as the Guard's commander for the past seven years.
"This man has been a cornerstone of my administration, bringing decisive military leadership and unwavering commitment to his role as adjutant general," Governor Little said during the ceremony.
Under Garshak's command, the Idaho National Guard saw worldwide deployments, and were activated to respond to both state and nationwide emergencies.
"Never in the history of Idaho, have we been called upon more than we were during the nation's civil disturbance crisis and the worldwide COVID pandemic," Major General Garshak said. "The Idaho National Guard conducted two battalion-sized deployments to help secure our nation's capital, and for more than a year were deployed at health care facilities in every health district and tribe throughout the state."
Garshak is passing much more than just the torch onto Major General Donnellan, who now takes command of about 5,000 soldiers, airmen and citizens in Idaho's military.
"It is my solemn promise to [Governor Little] and the citizens of Idaho, that the Idaho National Guard will continue to be ready and relevant for any challenges overseas or at home," Donnellan said.
Donnellan previously served as the commander of the Idaho Air National Guard and Assistant Adjutant General - Air. He joined the Air Force in 1992 and participated in ROTC. He has been a member of the Idaho Air National Guard since 2002, after serving an active duty as a security forces officer, an air liaison officer and an A/OA-10 instructor pilot.
During the ceremony, which had Revolutionary War-era traditions, Donnellan set out his priorities for Idaho's Guard: highlighting modernization, partnerships and preparedness.
"We will be ready when Idaho calls, whether that's a wildland firefight, cyber-attack, earthquakes, mountain rescue or another pandemic," Donnellan said. "We won't wait for that day to prepare. Instead, we'll maintain and continue the work of our great joint-staff."
The Idaho National Guard has served in every major U.S. conflict since it was established in 1891.
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