MARYVILLE, Mo. – Citizen soldiers serving in the 129th Field Artillery Battalion stationed at armories in Maryville, Albany, Chillicothe and Independence have a new commander. Former commander, Lt. Col. John Parker stepped down in a ceremony Sunday and passed the unit’s flag to Lt. Col. Terry Mast, of Hollister, Mo.

Mr. Mast previously served as the 110th Combat Support Brigade Fire Support Coordinator in Kansas City, Mo., a substantial part of his career in the Missouri Army National Guard has been with the 129th.

“It’s great to be coming home,” Mr. Mast said. “It’s a dream come true for me to lead this battalion.”

Mr. Parker, of Smithville, Mo., served 23 years in the battalion and commanded them in their first overseas mission as a battalion in Kosovo in 2008. He will move on to the 110th Combat Support Brigade as the deputy commander.

The families of both officers were in attendance to watch Sunday’s ceremony.