Hausman named new commander of the 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion

  • Published
  • By Michelle Key
  • Public Affairs Representative
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  With more than 250 Citizen-Soldiers standing at attention and company flags waving in the breeze, the 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion gained a new commander.

The change of command ceremony for the battalion took place at the Capt. John W. "Jack" Haggarty Armory at Whiteman Air Force Base, with Lt. Col. Thomas Burson exiting and Lt. Col. Charles Hausman entering into the position of battalion commander. The ceremony began with "The Star-Spangled Banner" and an Apache flyover. Then, the Soldiers took part in the traditional changing of the unit colors.

"The organizational colors represent lineage, honors, and history of an organization," said Warrant Officer 1 Adam Jennings, of Warrensburg. "The passing of the unit colors from the old to the new commander emphasizes that even though a commander may change, the organization is constant and continuity remains."

Jennings explained that Hausman would accept the colors so they rest over his heart, symbolizing the solemn responsibility he accepts for the battalion.

Before the ceremony was complete, Burson, a member of the battalion for over 20 years, spoke to his Soldiers in formation for the final time as their commander. Burson, of Warrensburg, will now assume the position of executive officer for the 1107th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot in Springfield.

"I spent years with this attack battalion, so it's time to move on," Burson said. "I've accomplished everything that I wanted to do. Now it's time to let some of the younger people take charge."

Prepared to take charge is Hausman, of Warrensburg. A Citizen-Soldier for over 20 years, Hausman has earned the confidence in of his leadership.

"I have worked with Hausman for the past three years and I think he's going to be a great commander," said Maj. Gen. King E. Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. "He's the type of person that the unit can relate to and that they will want to follow." 

Hausman, who officially took command of the battalion on April 1, said he looks forward to being a successful leader.

"It is an honor and a privilege to lead the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and aviators of 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion," Hausman said. "I look forward to working with Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Miller and building upon the successful programs established by all the former commanders of the First Attack team."

Hausman is supported by his wife, Julie, and children; Alex, 10, and Libby, 8. Also in attendance were his parents, Dan and Judy Hausman; sister, Tina Kemp; nephew, Christopher Kemp; and in-laws, Ralph and Jeannine Meyer.