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NEWS | Sept. 20, 2022

213th Regional Support Group gets new commander

By Spc. Annie Riley

The Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 213th Regional Support Group held a change of command ceremony here Sept. 18.

Col. Frank Montgomery assumed command from Col. Angelo Catalano with the traditional passing of the colors.

Montgomery most recently served as the Pennsylvania National Guard's director of military support. He served in the 213th RSG for 10 years at the beginning of his career, during which time he deployed twice with unit. 

“I want to thank the soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers of the 213th,” said Montgomery. "Your hard work under Colonel Catalano’s leadership will ensure a seamless transition; please keep up the same effort and show the same determination."

The 213th RSG has a lineage that traces back to the "Lehigh Fencibles," organized in August of 1849 in Allentown.

The unit was then reorganized less than a year later as the "Allen Rifles," who later responded to President Lincoln’s call for troops to defend the national Capitol in Washington, D.C., at the outbreak of the Civil War.

Since then elements of the 213th have participated in nine major conflicts: the Civil War, War with Spain, World Wars I & II, Korea, Gulf War, Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 213th Regional Support Group consists of specialized units located throughout the state. The units that represent the 213th RSG include finance, maintenance, personnel, sustainment, transportation, contracting, and public affairs.