CONTACT: Eric Durr, 518-786-4581, eric.durr@us.army.mil

FOR RELEASE: Monday, May 21, 2012

ON SITE: Eric Durr, 518-786-4581, eric.durr@us.army.mil

QUEENSBURY, NY (05/18/2012)-- New York Army National Guard Captain Michael Manss, a veteran of combat in Afghanistan, will take command of the 1427th Transportation Company Saturday morning, May 19. Members of the media are invited. WHO: Capt. Michael Manss, the incoming commander of the 1427th Transportation Company; Capt. John Klimes, the ongoing commander of the 1427th Transportation Company; Lt. Col. Robert Mitchell, the commander of the 501st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, and the Soldiers of the 1427th Transportation Company. Manss, a Slingerlands resident and a quartermaster officer, is a full-time employ of the New York Army National Guard’s who works in the logistics office. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 where he served on an Embedded Training Team working with the Afghan National Army. His awards include the Afghan Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the New York State Physical Fitness Medal. Klimes, the commander for the last two years, will serve as mobilization officer for the New York Army National Guard. WHAT: A Traditional Change of Command ceremony in which the unit’s guidon-a pennant shaped flag-- is transferred from the outgoing commander Capt. Klimes; to the incoming commander, Capt. Manss , indicating the change of command and responsibility for the Soldiers and the command. Traditionally the guidon marks the local of a company-sized element on the battlefield. Lt. Col. Rob Mitchell, will preside over the ceremony. A military truck convoy will be departing the Readiness Center for Fort Drum following the ceremony. WHEN: 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2012. WHERE: New York State Readiness Center, 65 Stone Quarry Road, Queensbury, NY COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES: Members of the press will be able to talk to the incoming and outgoing commanders and members of the unit and the battalion commander. Imagery opportunities include the transfer of the guidon and Soldiers in formation. Soldiers will also be mounting their vehicles and departing for Fort Drum in convoy after the ceremony. For access to this secure military facility members of the media must call Staff Sgt. Sean Early at (cell) 518-321-7014 or at (office) 518-761-7939. 1427th Transportation Company The company, which falls under the command of the 501st Explosive Ordnance Disposal battalion, provides long haul transportation as part of the Army’s logistics infrastructure. Here in New York the 1427th played a key role in the New York National Guard’s response to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in August/September 2011. Trucks manned by 1427th Soldiers moved critical relief supplies around the state and also responded to aid in recovery from flood damage.