WASHINGTON, N.C. - Col. Allen Boyette succeeded Col. Timothy P. Houser as the commander for 60th Troop Command during a change of command ceremony in Washington on Jan. 9.

Troop Command is one of five brigades in the N.C. Army National Guard.

"I am very humbled and honored to be taking command [of 60th Troop Command]," said Boyette, who lives in Zebulon.

Houser assumed command Oct. 1, 2009, and has commanded at all levels from platoon to brigade throughout his career. Houser will assume command of the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, headquartered in Charlotte.

Boyette is a 1987 graduate of N.C. State University, where he was commissioned as a distinguished military graduate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He served on active duty with the 2nd Engineer Group in Korea, the 7th Infantry Division, and the 82nd Airborne Division.

He joined the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1994 and has served in positions of increasing levels of responsibility, to include company commander, operations officer and executive officer within the 1-119th Infantry Battalion and the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team. Boyette has also served as Battalion Commander for the 1-120th Combined Arms Battalion, and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Houser expressed to the Soldiers of 60th Troop Command his gratitude for their support during his command.

"You (soldiers) have really taught me how to be a commander, and I am grateful for that," said Houser.