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Thibodeau taking over as Terre Haute National Guard unit commander
Indiana National Guard soldiers with 81st Troop Command welcomed a new commander during a ceremony at Camp Atterbury recently.
Col. Patrick C. Thibodeau assumed command of more than 2,200 soldiers with the 81st.
Headquartered in Terre Haute, the 81st Troop Command features a diverse collection of units: An engineer brigade, a military police company, two medical companies, a public affairs detachment and a response force comprised of soldiers and airmen who can respond to chemical, biological or nuclear attacks.
“I look forward to leading one of our nation’s most ready and reliable standing state joint task forces for domestic operations and consequence management,” said Thibodeau, who in civilian life serves as building inspector for the City of Greencastle. “JTF 81 has a legacy of great soldiers that exercise initiative and good judgment to accomplish every mission every time.”
Commissioning through officer candidate school, Thibodeau began his military career in 1989. He has served in a variety of command and staff positions throughout his career, including the domestic operations officer for the 81st Troop Command.
He deployed to Iraq in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Prior to rejoining the 81st Troop Command, Thibodeau served as the director of civil-military affairs in Indianapolis.
“Col. Thibodeau is a proven leader who has successfully commanded soldiers at every level,” Maj. Gen. Courtney P. Carr, Indiana’s adjutant general, said. “Pat’s recent performance as the director of our civil-military affairs demonstrated his exemplary leadership skills and dedication to the organization. In addition he brings a wealth of experience in domestic operations, which is where the 81st excels.”
Carr commanded the 81st for 11 months from 2011-12.
The 81st Troop Command soldiers, also known as War Eagles, are prepared to rapidly deploy in order to successfully execute domestic operations, missions supporting overseas contingency operations and defense support of civil authorities.
“It is a privilege to be selected to serve as the incoming Joint Task Force 81 commander,” Thibodeau said. “I would like to thank Maj. Gen. Carr, for his confidence. I am proud to join the ranks of the War Eagles.”