by Maj. Ben Hughes
EDGEWOOD, Md. — Approximately 80 soldiers from the Maryland Army National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, gathered August 28, 2026, at Maj. Gen. Warren D. Hodges Readiness Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground-South for a departure ceremony ahead of their mobilization to the nation’s southern border.
The ceremony, hosted by Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general of Maryland, followed the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade change of command, during which Lt. Col. Teresa M. Parrotta assumed command from Col. David L. Magness.
“I would sit here forever talking about all the stories and all the support that I have received from this organization. All I can say is thank you to all of you,” said Magness. “This ceremony is not really about me today. This ceremony is about this organization building on the legacy of those who came before us and soldiers serving today who are still pushing us upward.”
Magness received the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership, strategic vision, and dedication that contributed to the combat readiness of 29th CAB. He served in numerous aviation leadership positions during his career, including commander of the 1100th TASMG, Army Aviation Support Facility, and multiple commands across the aviation battalion and company commands. He has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours and completed three combat deployments.
Parrotta, who also has over 2,000 flight hours and three deployments, served in a variety of aviation commands across company, battalion, and flight facility levels. She served in brigade and joint staff positions before assuming command as the brigade prepares for its next mission.
“Col. Magness, thank you for your leadership and stewardship. This formation would not be here without you, Sir,” said Parrotta. “I’m honored to build upon the foundation you have laid to carry the brigade forward into our next mission.”
Headquarters and Headquarters Company serves as the command-and-control nucleus of a brigade by synchronizing operations and supporting commanders and the subordinate units. The soldiers spent the months leading up to the short-notice mobilization focused on validating their readiness through major training exercises.
During Command Post Exercise 3 in spring 2026, HHC validated internal standard operating procedures, digital communications architecture, and staff integration.
“Whether you’re flying aircraft, maintaining them, planning and synchronizing operations, sustaining force, or supporting those who do, every soldier, every role matters. You matter,” said Parrotta. “Continue to do your job well, maintain standards, take care of one another, make disciplined decisions, and never forget the patch on your shoulder with the people you represent while you’re wearing it.”
The company participated in Warfighter Exercise 26-4 over the summer, integrating with division- and corps-level assets in a simulated high-intensity, large-scale combat environment. HHC staff managed aviation sustainment, airspace deconfliction, and deep-attack planning as part of the exercise.
“I am deeply honored to take command of this brigade at this moment in its history. I could not ask for a more meaningful first mission or a better team with whom to undertake it with,” said Parrotta. “We will accomplish the mission. We will take care of soldiers. We will take care of each other. And when our mission is complete, we will bring this team home with pride in what we accomplished together.”
The ceremony marked the transition from months of preparation and validation. As the soldiers said goodbye to their families and friends, their leadership reminded them they are prepared.
“Now it’s time to do your job, execute the mission, take care of one another, represent Maryland with pride, and come home safely,” said Birckhead. “The Maryland National Guard is proud of you and I am proud to serve beside you.”
