Dayton colonel takes over Nevada Guard’s land component

RENO – The Nevada Army National Guard conducted a change of command Sept. 8 with Col. Randy Lau succeeding Brig. Gen. Troy Armstrong in one of the oldest traditions in the military.

Lau, a Dayton resident, assumed command as the land component commander (LCC), a position held by Armstrong the past three years. Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, the state’s adjutant general, presided over the one-hour ceremony at the Nevada Air Guard Base in Reno.

Lau, who’s promotable to brigadier general, recently deployed with the 40th Infantry Division from 2023-24 to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait as the Division G3. He was responsible for training, operations, plans, force development and modernization.

Armstrong, a resident of Henderson, had served as the Nevada Army National Guard’s assistant adjutant general-Army since March 2023. During the past 18 months, he commanded more than 3,300 soldiers.

Berry, who is set to retire in October, commended Armstrong for his command.

“A change of command is not just a transfer of authority, but it is also the passing of trust, responsibility and a commitment to service,” Berry said.

The adjutant general said Armstrong has left a mark on the Nevada Army National Guard, citing how they developed a great working relationship. Additionally, Berry said the outgoing LCC has set a high standard for those officers who follow Armstrong. During his command, Armstrong witnessed the challenges the entire Nevada National Guard faced from natural disasters to numerous global deployments.

“You have risen to the occasion with courage and clarity,” Berry said. “Your strategic foresight has ensured the Guard remains ready, capable and relevant.”

Berry said the Nevada National Guard commitment of excellence is known at the national level.

“The No. 1 priority is taking care of soldiers under your command,” Berry said.

Berry told Lau he is not only assuming a command but a community — “a family of soldiers dedicated to the defense of this nation and the service of this state.

“You have a no-fail responsibility,” Berry stressed. “You have responsibility to the community, to your state and to your country with honor, humility and unwavering resolve. You're not just a commander, but you’re also a mentor — someone who takes time to know his soldiers.”

As a final gesture of Berry’s confidence with his outgoing LCC, Armstrong received the Legion of Merit award.

In his remarks, Armstrong thanked those who attended the change of command. He then looked toward Berry.

“In reality… you have driven the success of the Nevada National Guard from the top down,” Armstrong said, “and you have that in a way that you filled capacity and strength with outstanding leadership all the way down to the team level. Your trust and confidence in me have been instrumental guiding my leadership and your unwavering commitment to serve in leadership, the shining example of professionalism, relentless work ethic and care of members, civilian employees and families. You have not only been inspirational not just for me but for the entire force.”

Armstrong then commended Brig. Gen. Dan Waters for his appointment to become the state’s next adjutant general in October. He said Waters’ leadership has also been pivotal.

Armstrong looked at the past four years and noted the accomplishments from recovering aircraft on the side of a mountain to rescuing firefighters from raging flames to hurricane recovery and multiple New Year’s Eve missions. He mentioned units have deployed overseas to Poland, Romania and the Middle East.

“Every accomplishment that we celebrate here today is a direct result of your work and dedication and the commitment you have had to the mission,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong serves in a full-time civilian capacity with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He is director of Child Protection Investigations for the Unaccompanied Minor Bureau, Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Armstrong has received U.S. Senate approval for a certificate of eligibility of promotion to the rank of major general and will continue serving in the Nevada National Guard as the assistant adjutant general.

Lau followed Armstrong with his remarks.

“We live in an era of unprecedent uncertainty,” Lau said. “Our adversaries are rapidly advancing technology and capability, and the world evolves and so must the Nevada Army National Guard.”

Lau said the Nevada National Guard’s priority is to hone warfighting skills. Lau also thanked Berry for providing him the opportunity to refine his leadership and ascend to the next level. He said soldiers must invest in focus, discipline and consistency.

“You have to invest in yourself,” he said.

Lau thanked a handful of soldiers with whom he has served, whether the assignment has been in the United States or overseas. He also recognized his family and noted one of his daughters in the military is preparing to deploy.

“Our adversaries are preparing for conflict and to maintain our competitive advantage, we must accelerate change – how we think, how we fight, how we show up every day at work, how we conduct business,” Lau said.

He added success in one area leads to success in another.

Lau scanned the audience and issued this bit of advice.

“Our enlisted soldiers are the foundation of this organization. Never forget this,” he said.