CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
Commander of the West Virginia National Guard’s Army Interagency Training and Education Center (AITEC) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Battalion, Gina Nichols, was promoted to lieutenant colonel at Joint Force Headquarters in Charleston, West Virginia, Aug. 27, 2019.
Nichols joined the West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) 3664th Maintenance Company as a private 23 years ago. She took command of the CBRNE Battalion in April 2019. Prior to that she commanded the 35th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) for two and a half years and served as battalion operations officer at the 741st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion in Washington state.
"The promotion means a lot to me as it shows that state leadership recognizes my hard work and contributions," Nichols said.
"The WVARNG has given me so many opportunities to continue my education, travel the world and serve an amazing group of Soldiers and Airmen," she said. "I'd like to thank all of the mentors and leaders I've had over the years, but most importantly my family who have always provided me the necessary support to do what we do."
In attendance at the small ceremony were Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, WVNG Adjutant General, and Lt. Col. James Bowen, commander of the 771st Troop Command Battalion and 35th CBRN Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP).
"Lt. Col. Nichols is a fantastic leader that is extremely dedicated to the WVNG," Bowen said. "Her leadership has been instrumental to the success of the 753rd EOD, 35th CST, and now with the CBRNE BN in AITEC."
"Lt. Col. Nichols is very deserving of this promotion as she has performed exceptionally at all levels of command," he said. "Gina has proven herself as a top notch leader."