NEW BERN — A Jones County native with Kinston ties recently taken over the most diverse brigade in the North Carolina National Guard.
On June 1, Col. Dan Mills was given the rank of brigade commander at a change-of-command ceremony at the Claude T. Bowers Military Center in Raleigh. On July 1, Mills became the man in charge of the 11 subordinate units of the 60th Troop Command.
“I am devoted to building on the legacy left to me at 60th Troop Command,” Mills said as he addressed the crowd at the ceremony. “We will support our personnel, provide them with training so they can effectively defeat tyranny and terrorism and bring calm to chaos here and abroad.”
Mills is working on the legacy, enjoying the new job in the process.
“I like this position,” Mills said. “It’s challenging, but rewarding taking care of this many soldiers and making sure they have what they need so they can do their jobs.”
Mills, who currently lives in Pamlico County, was born in Kinston. Mills was raised on his family farm outside of Trenton, but attended Bethel Christian Academy, graduating in 1979.
Mills enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in May 1983, but switched to the National Guard three months later. During his 30-year career, he has been the recipient of many federal and state awards, including the Knowlton Award for Intelligence.
Besides his involvement in the National Guard, Mills also received a Bachelor’s in criminal science from Appalachian State in 1986 and a Master’s certificate from ECU in security studies in 2009. Last year, Mills received his Master’s in strategic studies at the U.S. Army War College.
Mills had the ability to work with the troop prior to assuming the reigns as brigade commander as a liaison and subject-matter expert for the National Guard for the Democratic National Convention last year.
“I was fortunate enough to have worked with the 60th Troop staff during the Democratic National Convention last year,” Mills said at the ceremony. “It was truly awe-inspiring to work with such professionals.”
Mills is in a high position, but his previous experience with the troop gives him the ability to trust his brigade.
“My leadership style is not micromanagement,” Mills said. “I like giving them the tools and resources to complete their mission. I’ve got a group of dedicated professionals, so my job is to make sure they have time and resources to do what they need.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.