A Change Of Command; Traditions Honored
[More About MG Barlow] [More About MG Lowenberg]
Story by MAJ Philip Logan, Photos by TSgt Bob
Harris
SPC Charles Ames & SPC William Putnam -
Posted Sep, 1999
During a moving ceremony held Monday, September 13th, at the Camp Murray headquarters of the Washington National Guard, Major General Gregory P. Barlow relinquished command of the Washington Military Department, retiring after 35 years of service to the state and nation. The new commander of the Military Department's over 8,000 soldiers, airmen and civilian employees is Maj. General Timothy J. Lowenberg, of Tacoma. Washington Governor Gary Locke presided over a program that observed time-honored traditions with an audience of civilian and military dignitaries.
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Gov. Locke praised MG Barlow's ten years of service as Adjutant General during remarks to assembled friends, family, and members of the state's Military Department. In his words...
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"That people have so much esteem for General Barlow is manifested by the presence of so many distinguished guests including former Governor's Albert Rosselini and Booth Gardner, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen and Secretary Of State Ralph Munro. General Greg Barlow... has been a superb commander…leading [the Washington Military Department] through an incredible period of change that saw the entire Guard's role re-defined with the end of the Cold War."
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Gov. Locke expressed the gratitude of Washington's citizens for MG Barlow's service to three governors during domestic crises such as fires and floods, and acknowledged, "it was on his watch, that men and women, trained and prepared by General Barlow and his staff... served with honor and bravery in Operation Desert Storm... in Bosnia... and over Kosovo."
"There is no one who worries more about the families of National Guard personnel than General Barlow. On behalf of the people of our great state of Washington, thank you for your service, leadership, dedication, your compassion. And I thank you for your friendship."
Accolades were presented to Mrs. Barlow as well, acknowledging the sacrifices that each soldier's spouse and family must make to support their warrior.
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MG Barlow's 2-star General Officer's Flag was retired and presented to him in a time-honored traditional ceremony.
SFC Beckstrom of Company A, 1-19th Special Forces, a National Guard unit headquartered in Buckley, WA participated in this part of the ceremony. SFC Beckstrom served with MG Barlow during the Vietnam War.
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Maj Gen Lowenberg addressed the guests after being sworn in as the new Adjutant General. MG Lowenberg is an attorney with almost 30 years of experience, and a member of the Washington Air National Guard.
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After thanking the Governor and other distinguished guests, MG Barlow posed one question to the audience during his remarks: "Who are the members of the Military Department today? They have a deep and abiding faith in the eternal goodness of America and of this state... and they have a devotion to service that is nothing short of astonishing."
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MG Barlow went on to remind the audience that, " 'Freedom is not free.' For those who have fought for it, life has a special meaning that the protected will never know. We stand up for people who need protection." He ended his speech by leading the crowd in what has become a familiar ritual to those who served under him. Raising his right arm high the assembled crowd recognized their queue - when the General dropped his arm, the audience, soldiers, airmen and civilians all shouted "Attack!"
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