Iowa National Guard gets new troop commander

The Iowa National Guard 67th Troop  Command will now be commanded by Col. Todd M. Jacobus following a change of command ceremony at the National Guard Readiness Center in Iowa City on Sunday.

Jacobus assumed command from Col. David S. Visser, who has more than 27 years of service in the Iowa National Guard and regular Army. He commanded the troop for over three years.

On Sunday, Visser told the crowd it was difficult for him to leave the troop, and recognized his family for supporting him throughout his service.

"It is hard, I would be lying to tell you if I didn't say it was hard, to give up command," Visser said.  "It is the greatest job anybody could have the honor of holding, to see the young soldiers -- and they are young -- out there and to see them grow and to challenge them to go beyond what they ever thought they were capable of doing."

Before assuming command, Jacobus served as the executive officer of the 67th Troop Command. A Des Moines native, he has more than 24 years of service in the Iowa National Guard, and received his commission form the University of Iowa ROTC in 1988.

"My job here is to say thank you to the leadership team for providing me with the opportunity to lead an awesome troop," Jacobus said after the change in command. "And I thank you sincerely and look forward to having a great command tour working with some pretty incredible soldiers."