CAMP PERRY, OHIO – Though the names have changed the commitment to service and tradition will remain the same for Ohio National Guard Camp Perry leadership, according to Colonel Dean Brown, incoming commander of the Ohio National Guard’s Fort Ohio Installations and Camp Perry Training Site Detachment.

COL Brown replaced the outgoing Commander, COL James H. Chisman at a Change of Command ceremony, also known as the “Changing of Colors,” on Saturday, 26 July. COL Chisman served as the Fort Ohio and Camp Perry Commander since 2005. He retired after 39 years of service in the U. S. Army and Army National Guard.

Chisman came to Fort Ohio command, after returning from deployment in Kosovo, where he served with distinction. COL Chisman said he was privileged and honored to be able to serve as the Camp Perry Commander.

“It is with a great deal of pride that I stand before you today,” Col. Chisman said Saturday. “We accomplished so much and met every challenge.”

“There’s not a better leadership team on this planet,” an emotional Chisman said, referring to his junior officers and staff.

“Soldiers, civilian staff and families of Fort Ohio. Your are it, you are the reason, you are the beginning and you are the end of all that matters at Fort Ohio. My deepest thanks to all of you.”

“I’ll leave today absolutely certain that the Fort Ohio team, under the leadership of COL Dean Brown will continue to set new standards for accomplishment well into the future,” COL Chisman added.

The highly-decorated Army veteran thanked representatives of the local community and Camp Perry supporters, such as the Friends of Camp Perry, local citizens and volunteers.

“I am very humbled by the community’s respect for the military and the NRA and CMP support and commitment to Camp Perry has been awesome,” he said.

COL Chisman and his wife Lynda each received commendations from the State of Ohio for their selfless service to the Ohio Guard. Mrs. Chisman received the Ohio Commendation Medal for her support of her husband and the military during COL Chisman’s years of service.

The State awarded COL Chisman the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal for distinguished service to the nation, state and community. The citation was signed by Gregory L. Wayt, Major General, Adjutant General, State of Ohio.

“COL James H. Chisman has served with great distinction and untiring effort, provided inspirational leadership in key positions and great responsibility. His achievements will serve the state and the nation well into the future. COL Chisman’s selfless service and personal sacrifice reflects great credit upon him, the Camp Perry Training Site Detachment, Army National Guard, the great State of Ohio,” the citation reads.

The transfer of leadership of Fort Ohio and Camp Perry was formally shifted to COL Brown during the colorful ceremony.

COL Brown stated, “I have no lengthy speech. Today’s the day for honoring a great officer, COL Jim Chisman.”

“What a wonderful, delightful, professional, kind and generous man. The transition has been exceptional. COL Chisman and the staff here have made me feel quite welcome – I’m Glad to be back in Ohio,” COL Brown said.

Most recently serving the Michigan National Guard at Camp Grayling, COL Brown said, “I’m glad to be back in Ohio where I started in 1987 at Camp Perry.”

“I promise our partners, the CMP and NRA, to continue the programs and friendships that COL Chisman forged regarding the National Matches. I promise that the National Matches will continue to be as great as they have always been and hopefully greater in the near future,” COL Brown said.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the days of knighthood. In those days battlefield leaders were designated by special flags or pennants known as colors. As battles raged and leaders fell, the passing of colors became the method of passing on the leadership designation to new battlefield commanders.

This allowed battles to continue with minimum disruption. This tradition born out of necessity has continued to evolve into the military ceremony that is used today to formalized the changes of commanders in military organizations.

Additional pictures from the change of command ceremony can be viewed at http://www.odcmp.com/Photos/08/CPChangeofCommand/index.htm.

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