29th ID hosts casing and consolidation ceremony for Maryland Army Guard units
by Maj. Benjamin Hughes
TOWSON, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Jared D. Lake, 29th Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support, hosted the casing of the colors ceremony for Bravo Company (Intelligence and Sustainment) and Charlie Company (Signal) and the uncasing of the colors ceremony for Alpha Company (Signal, Intelligence, and Sustainment) at the Harry C. Ruhl Armory, March 8, 2026.
The ceremony, which Lake called “both somber and celebratory,” signified a transition in force structure and mission alignment within the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 29th Infantry Division.
“Today is not an end, but a transformation,” said Lake. “Tomorrow’s battlefield will not be the same as the battlefield of yesterday. To dominate in the future, we must adapt today. This force design update is a clear-eyed and necessary step to ensure that the 29th remains the most lethal and capable division in the world. We are sharpening our spear, retooling our capabilities, and preparing for the challenge of a new era.”
The casing of the colors is a military tradition symbolizing a unit’s inactivation, while the uncasing represents the activation of a new formation. The ceremony, which also had remarks by Virginia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Brian J. Webb, commander of 29th Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, honored the history and achievements of the outgoing companies.
Lake and Webb recognized the critical roles played by Bravo Company and Charlie Company in supporting the division’s mission. Bravo Company served as the hub for intelligence and sustainment operations, integrating the division’s intelligence functions alongside key sustainment elements, including personnel, logistics, financial management, and medical support. Charlie Company provided essential signal capabilities, ensuring reliable communications across the formation.
Bravo Company, which was led by Maj. Aaron Thomas and 1st Sgt. Sunny Sim, and Charlie Company, which was commanded by Capt. Nicholas Kostas and Master Sgt. Jason Watnoski-Pinter, took turns casing their unit flags.
The newly activated Alpha Company combines capabilities to enhance the division’s ability to operate effectively in complex, information-driven environments.
“The fusion of Signal, Intelligence, and Sustainment into a single formation is a recognition of a fundamental truth of modern warfare: information and logistics are two sides of the same coin,” Lake said. “Victory will belong to the side that can see and communicate across the battlefield most clearly and sustain itself most effectively. Signal, Intelligence, and Sustainment Company, you are now at the tip of that spear.”
Webb uncased the unit’s colors along with Capt. Edward Olbrych, commander of the newly formed Alpha Company, and 1st Sgt. Christopher Gabbaree, before placing the unfurled guidon in front of the formation for the first time.
“I’m honored to take command of such a capable and high-performing team,” said Olbrych. “To the men and women of SIS Company, I look forward to serving alongside you as we build this foundation and accomplish the mission ahead.”