(KNZA)--A change of command ceremony is set for the Kansas National Guard’s Hiawatha-based 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery.

Lt. Colonel Larry Leupold will assume command of the historic battalion from Lt. Colonel Thomas Powers during a ceremony Friday evening, September 15th  at 7:00 at the Hiawatha Armory.

Leupold is approaching his 25th year of service in the Kansas Army National Guard, with more than ten years of that spent in various assignments within the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery.

Leupold has lived in Hiawatha since 2005.  He and his wife, Kim, have three children.

Leupold says he’s honored to be among the few to be called commander of the distinguished battalion.  He says he approaches the assignment with great pride and commitment to upholding the legacy.  

The Battalion has units in Holton, Marysville, Paola, Lenexa, Ottawa and Clay Center.