Minden man takes charge of Guard’s largest brigade

A Minden man took command of the largest brigade in the Nevada Guard on Sunday.

Col. Clayton Chappell replaced outgoing commander Col. Troy Armstrong, who became the land component commander of the state’s National Guard

Armstrong, a Las Vegas resident is taking over for Land Component Commander Brig. Gen. Zachary Doser, who is retiring.

The Nevada National Guard’s 17th Sustainment Brigade change of command ceremony was conducted at the new Speedway Armory in Las Vegas.

Doser praised Chappell at the ceremony.

“Col. Chappell assumes command with impeccable credentials,” Doser said. “He is exceptionally qualified to lead the over two thousand Soldiers in the sustainment brigade.”

Chappell was deployed to Kuwait in 2016 with the brigade as the support operations officer before his stint with the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Marysville, Wash., before returning this year to assume command of the brigade.

Chappell took to the podium and addressed the brigade and distinguished guests. He expressed his gratitude to Armstrong, the brigade, and his family for their continued support in becoming the commander of the 17th.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to command the 17th Sustainment Brigade,” Chappell said. “It is truly an honor. Thank you.”

Doser, who works for the Reno Police Department, will retire from the military this month. Doser had served as the land component commander since August 2017.

“Col. Armstrong has been so successful as a brigade commander that he’s been selected for promotion to brigadier general,” Doser said. “In fact, he will be assuming my role as the Land Component Commander (this week).”

The Las Vegas-based brigade maintains administrative control over two-thirds of the Nevada Army Guard’s units and personnel.

Armstrong is anticipated to attain the rank of brigadier general and will be one of only two general officers in the Nevada Army Guard along with Minden resident and Assistant Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Michael Hanifan.

Veterans Day was quieter than usual in Carson Valley as Carson Valley resident Laurie Hickey took a handful of residents on a tour of Garden Cemetery as a fundraiser for Wreaths Across America.

Anyone who would like to donate to the cause should contact Mainstreet Gardnerville 782-8027 or info@mainstreetgardnerville.org or Shannon Hickey at 775-315-0697.

Eastside Memorial is also doing Wreaths Across America. Donations may be made at website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org or mailed to P.O. Box 910 Minden, NV 89423.