Presidio's 229th MI Bn. changes command

By Tonya K. Townsell, Presidio of Monterey Public AffairsSeptember 10, 2012

Presidio's 229th MI Bn. changes command
PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Commandant Col. Danial D. Pick (left) officiates the ceremony where Lt. Col. Frank A. Smith (second from left) assumes responsibility as the commanding officer of the ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- Presidio of Monterey community members turned out to say good-bye to one leader while they welcomed another when 229th Military Intelligence Battalion leadership changed hands during a change-of-command ceremony here Aug. 24.

Lt. Col. Kent L. Webber handed over the reins of the battalion to Lt. Col. Frank A. Smith during the ceremony officiated by Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Commandant Col. Danial D. Pick.

Smith, who received his commission in 1992, has a vast background in military intelligence. His assignments range from the 101st Airborne Division, where he served in various intelligence staff and leadership positions, to many joint and multinational organizations where he served while stationed overseas and deployed.

His military awards include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with three OLC; Army commendation Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal with OLC; Haitian and Egyptian service awards; and Iraq and Afghanistan campaign awards with Overseas Service Ribbon.

Smith has attended the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Advanced Course, Long Range Surveillance Leaders' Course, Intermediate Level Education Program, Advanced Military Studies Program, Ranger Course, Airborne Course and the Air Assault Course.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration from Webster University and a Masters of Military Arts and Sciences in Theater Operations from the School of Advanced Military Studies.

The next assignment for Webber, who took command of the 229th MI Bn. in August 2010, will be retirement with his family.

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