Delaware National
GuardChange of Command
Pennington takes command of 259th Signal Co.
By Spc. Thomas Dougherty, 259th Signal Company UPAR
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The 259th Signal Company's Change of Command Ceremony took place during the August drill weekend . |
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Capt. Garland Pennington (front), took command from Capt. James Benson, (left). Lt. Col. David Passwaters (center) presided over the change of command. |
Capt. Garland Pennington assumed command of the 259th Signal Company during a formal ceremony at the Harrington Readiness Center on Sunday, August 11th.
Capt. Pennington, who has been a TAC Officer for the Officer Candidate School (OCS) at the 193rd Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Bethany, replaced Capt. James Benson, who has successfully commanded the 259th Company for the last two years.
Capt. Garland Pennington is a native of Wilmington, Delaware. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Wilmington College. His military education includes Signal Officer Basic Course and Signal Officer Advanced Course. Capt. Pennington began his military career through enlisting in the United States Marines Corps Reserves. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant after completing the State Officer Candidate School at the Bethany Beach Training Site. Capt. Pennington was the Honor Graduate of OCS Class 38. His assignments include Platoon Leader - Company A 280th Signal Battalion, Executive Officer - 259th Signal Company, Aid-De-Camp to Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Reid Beveridge, 261st Signal Brigade and TAC Officer - 193rd Regional Training Institute. His service of over 16 years includes 11 years in the Delaware Army National Guard. Capt. Pennington resides in New Castle with his wife Bonita and three children. He is currently employed by Discover Financial Services as a Desktop Support / Help Desk Manager.
Capt. James Benson is a native of Wilmington, Delaware. He has received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Delaware and a Masters of Business Administration from Wilmington College. His military education includes Signal Officer Basic Course, Signal Officer Advanced Course and Combined Arms Service Staff School. Capt. Benson began his military career through enlisting in the United States Naval Reserves. Capt. Benson was commissioned a Second Lieutenant after completing the State Officer Candidate School at Bethany Beach Training Site OCS Class 36. His assignments include, Assistant Platoon Leader - Company B 242 Signal Battalion and S-1 (over strength) - 198th Signal Battalion. He has served the 259th Signal Company as a Platoon Leader, Tech Control officer, and the Commander. His next assignment will be as the S-4 of the 280th Signal Battalion. His service of over 15 years includes 12 years in the Delaware Army National Guard. Capt. Benson resides in Alexandria, Virginia and is currently employed by EDS as a Student Programs Coordinator.
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Capt. James Benson and Capt. Garland Pennington share some cake from the change of command ceremony on Sunday, August 11. |