Camp Murray Detachment WSG

07/11/2023

This past weekend was my first weekend of getting to meet Camp Murray Detachment. It was also my very first award that I was able to give out. SFC Cox was awarded the Senior MEMs qualification badge. For those that aren’t fimimilar with MEMs, it’s the Military Emergency Management Specialist badge that requires a high level of dedication to online studies. Those studies can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ggH2YtZY

What a tremendous honor to give out my first award. I spent the weekend being briefed on the Detachments activity, being acquainted with my NCOs and getting to know my junior soldiers. I never thought I would hold a two hour meeting but it happened. Having a clear understanding of each other, expectations from both parties and setting clear and concise goals is important when stepping into a command position. My command philosophy was well reciprocated with some minor adjustments.

Look forward to next month!

03/09/2023

Do you know someone that might be interested in a volunteer opportunity once or twice a month? Maybe you might be? If you are or you do know someone, please share this post.

Are you interested in gaining leadership opportunity that is applicable to the workplace? Lead Soldiers from the front or plan out a training exercise six months down the road? Maybe you thought about being a non-commissioned officer or being a commissioned officer?

Have you ever thought of doing emergency management training or being deployed in the state of Washington to help fellow citizens?

Have you thought of being a community leader with the expertise to help your local community?

This opportunity is mostly for all. Those that have served, that haven’t served or wished they have served. For those that are career centric, stay at home types or even college students, whatever the situation may be. Be all that you can be, challenge yourself and push yourself to be the best possible version of you.

Come check out a drill to see if it’s something you’re interested in.

-commissioned

Send a message to learn more

04/01/2022

MAASSEN APPOINTED WSG COMMANDER
At 19 March HHC drill at Camp Murray, BG Johan Deutscher, Director, Joint Staff, announced the appointment of COL Joe Maassen as Commander, Washington State Guard, effective immediately. Maassen relieves Acting Commander COL Frank McDunnah, who relieved COL Bradley Klippert, who reached mandatory retirement age earlier this year.

We all look forward to your Leadership Sir!

MAASSEN APPOINTED WSG COMMANDER
At 19 March HHC drill at Camp Murray, BG Johan Deutscher, Director, Joint Staff, announced the appointment of COL Joe Maassen as Commander, Washington State Guard, effective immediately. Maassen relieves Acting Commander COL Frank McDunnah, who relieved COL Bradley Klippert, who reached mandatory retirement age earlier this year.

About the WSG Commander:

COL Joseph "Joe" Maassen is a lifetime Washingtonian. He graduated from Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, and earned a BA in Political Science and Government from Seattle University and was commissioned through their Army ROTC program. He then earned a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. His assignments in the Washington Army National Guard included serving as BN Commander in the 181st BDE Support BN, and Deputy J3 for the Joint Operations Center (JOC). In 2011-12 Maassen deployed to Afghanistan where he served on a Security Force Assistance Team working with Afghan National Security forces.

COL Maassen’s Introductory Remarks are paraphrased below:

I am humbled and honored to be selected as the commander of the WSG. Thank you, COL McDunnah, for your work the past two months to continue the great work of the WSG. I am excited about working with such great volunteer soldiers that are
committed to being prepared to help their state and nation. I am keenly aware that you volunteer for this service, and you spend numerous hours training to make sure that you are ready when called upon (and you are willing to spend their own money to be in the right uniform!). This is a special organization.

The accomplishments of the WSG are impressive as witnessed by the missions you have accomplished recently and the missions you are preparing for now. From contact tracing to food bank operations, and participation in CR22 and ET22, your contributions to the state and your local communities are commendable. I am excited to work with you as the WSG prepares to be a part of the statewide response to wildfires and looks at the possibility of standing up a UAS program that will be a force multiplier for the Director of Joint Forces. With your input, you can let me know if we are on track to effectively accomplish our mission.

”The mission of the Washington State Guard is to provide organized units that are equipped and trained in the protec- tion of life or property and the preservation of peace, order and public safety under competent orders of State authorities.”

Knowing that your time is valuable – I want to know what can I do to challenge you to remain productive and stay in the WSG!

Again, my thanks to BG Deutscher for the opportunity to command the WSG. I am truly looking forward to working with all of you!

COL Joe Maassen Commanding
Pro Civitas et Patria