Chatham Soldier Assumes Command of Aviation Battalion

In a ceremony steeped in rich military tradition, Lt. Col. Jason Celletti, of Springfield, relinquished command of 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment to Lt. Col. Zachary DeGroot, of Chatham, Oct. 5 at the battalion's headquarters in Peoria.

"Lieutenant Colonel Celletti, a couple of years ago, I gave you not only an assignment but a big assignment," said Col. Max Casteleyn, commander of 65th Troop Command. "We asked you to change air frames, lead the battalion in a very complex environment, and to bring everyone home. Typical people would accomplish one of the three. You accomplished all three. Thank you for the phenomenal job you have done."

Casteleyn thanked Celletti's family for their support.

"I want to recognize your family because you cannot do what you do without their support," he said.

He also addressed DeGroot.

"This job is not easy. This is a unit with four airframes. They just came back from a war zone," Casteleyn said. "This is a tough task, but you can do it."

Casteleyn reminded the 106th that the success of the unit does not rest with just one individual, but everyone.

"You are the Blackhorse Regiment," Casteleyn said. "I ask you to support the unit and the leadership to get to that next level of readiness that is required in today's complex environment."

Celletti thanked his family for their support throughout his military service.

"Milana, our representative of the Celletti family today, you are the one who has taken the brunt of all the missed soccer games and school events in the past 13 years," he said. "Thank you for always being the strong one in the family."

Celletti reflected on his service in the battalion.

"It struck me when listening to Colonel Casteleyn's remarks that today will be my last day of my 20 years serving here in the 106th," he said. "From E-4 to O-5, it was 20 years ago I received my first coin right here in this hangar at the change of command ceremony taking place that day."

Celletti said the Blackhorse Battalion is a family.

"The Blackhorse Battalion has always been a family to every service member who served in it," he said. "We've witnessed the successes and failures but as a family we've rallied around each other. The Soldiers of Blackhorse have prevailed. Continue to tell your story. Don't let distractions deter your accomplishments."

Celletti enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 2001, spending his first three years as an enlisted UH-60 Blackhawk mechanic and crew chief. In 2003, he commissioned through the Officer Candidate School and became an Aviation Platoon Leader in the battalion. He has served in multiple command and staff positions throughout his career. His Active Guard and Reserve assignments include Army Medical Officer Strength Maintenance; Battalion Officer in Charge, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment; Brigade Training Officer for the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; and as the State Aviation Officer. He is completing his Masters of National Security Studies with American Military University and in April began a follow on Master's Program with the U.S. Army War College in Strategic Studies.

DeGroot thanked his wife, Bo, and sons, Zachary and Gabriel, for their support.

"My wife, Bo, your understanding has been the backbone and strength of my service," he said. "Thank you for standing beside me all these years. You are a pillar of support and I'm grateful for the love you bring to our family."

DeGroot said the change of command represents another milestone in the battalion's history.

"I have the honor and privilege to stand before you today as your new battalion commander," he said. "Together we will continue to uphold the tradition of readiness. My two goals are mission success and taking care of the Soldiers and their families. I look forward to serving as your leader as we continue to soar to new heights and set new standards for Army aviation."

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