Fernley woman to head training center for the National Guard

RENO - A Fernley woman has become the new commander of the Nevada Army National Guard's 421st Regional Training Center after a change of command was held Saturday at the Washoe County Armory.

Lt. Col. Maria C. Powers becomes only the second woman to command a battalion in the history of the Nevada Army National Guard. Powers, a University of Nevada, Reno graduate, received her commission through the Reserve Officers Training Corps.

She joined the Nevada Army National Guard in 1991.

She has held numerous positions including company commander of the 150th Maintenance Company in Carson City, logistics officer with the 99th Troop Command in Reno and assistant professor of military science/executive officer for the University of Nevada's ROTC program.

Brig. Gen. Frank Gonzales, commander of the Army Guard in Nevada, said it was fitting for Powers to assume command of the RTI, based on her experience with ROTC.

"It was a natural progression for her," Gonzales said. "Now we give her the entire training program."

The RTI annually trains hundreds of people who belong to the national guard or reserve, active duty components or federal agencies.

Powers assumed command from Lt. Col. Zachary F. Doser, of Reno, who was also commissioned through the University of Nevada's ROTC program.

Doser began serving on active duty in 1986 with several units before returning to Nevada. He had been affiliated with the RTI for the past eight years.

Doser will be assigned to the training and operations branch of the Nevada Army National Guard in Carson City.