FORT BARFOOT, Va. –
Col. Beau Mason took command of the Fort Barfoot-based 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute from Col. Kurt Kobernik during a change of command ceremony Aug. 11, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presided over the ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from Kobernik to Mason.
“I’m honored to be here to acknowledge all of the fine Soldiers and NCOs of the 183rd Regiment and to recognize these two outstanding senior leaders,” Martin said. “There are only six officers serving at this level in the commonwealth, all of whom are the absolute best in their fields and are proven, battle-tested leaders. Col. Kobernik and Col. Mason are among the very best.”
Martin said he loved the rich tradition and symbolism of the change of command ceremony.
“Even though unit personnel, including commanders, come and go, the mission of the unit and its colors are enduring, making this transfer of authority such a profound and important occasion for both the unit and those that command it,” he said.
Martin said Kobernik has been extraordinarily successful not only in meeting the RTI mission, but also in mentoring and developing future leaders across the formation.
Among the accomplishments Martin acknowledged included Kobernik commanding a cadre that conducted 24 Training and Doctrine Command courses to 165 percent of force structure capacity, developing a recruiting and retention strategy providing partnership with VNG major subordinate commands which sustained the instructor pipeline and returned exceptionally trained NCOs back to the units and enhancing the Virginia’s State Partnership Program by initiating RTI-engagement with the Tajik National Police for RTI instructors to conduct marksmanship training. He also credited Kobernik with empowering the Quality Assurance NCOs which has postured the 183rd RTI for a successful accreditation assessment in training year 2025.
“I salute you and thank you for your extraordinary efforts that have contributed in so many ways to the success of this institution, and the Virginia Army National Guard,” Martin told Kobernik. “I look forward to continuing to serve with you in your new role as the chief of staff.”
Martin welcomed Mason to the new duty position and expressed his confidence in Mason’s ability to command the regiment.
“I’m so proud that you've been selected to command this unit and acknowledge that you have a tough act to follow,” Martin said. “Beau has a proven track record of excellence and has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout his career. I am confident you will continue to uphold the high standards set by Col. Kobernik and lead the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute to even greater heights.”
Kobernik said over the last few months he had time to reflect on his command tour and said he felt he did what he wanted to do when he started 18 months ago.
“My priorities were recruiting and retaining the best people, ensuring we properly resourced the best training, and set the unit up for success in our next accreditation inspection,” he said. “I know we moved the needle on all those things. While I am proud of all of that, one of the things I am most proud of is the way our instructors developed and trained our future leaders. From our infantry and truck driver transition courses to our officer and warrant officer candidate schools, to our support of the other Virginia Army National Guard units' achievement of their readiness goals.”
Kobernik thanked key stakeholders for their contributions to the unit’s success during his time in command.
“To the leaders and Soldiers of the regiment, if it wasn't for your dedication to duty and selfless service, there wouldn't be a regiment to command,” he said. “You have inspired me to be a better leader throughout the last 18 months. I am sincerely humbled by your sacrifice as citizen-Soldiers. Your professionalism, knowledge and confidence make you the best of the best.”
He also thanked Command Sgt. Maj. Mical Seaton and Command Sgt. Maj. Dave Abbey for both providing him with an important perspective as well as coaching and mentoring NCOs of the regiment.
Kobernik said he knows the 183rd is in capable hands with Col. Mason in command.
“Col. Beau Mason and I have known each other for many years,” he said. “Beau is a true professional with a superior knowledge of training management. He is a tempered leader who carefully thinks through complex problems and seeks subordinate input before making the hard
decision. I couldn't imagine a better officer to serve as your regimental commander.’
In closing, Kobernik expressed his appreciation to all those who served in the 183rd during his time in command.
“I am truly fortunate to have been your commander,” Kobernik said. “I hold you all in the highest regard and will never forget your impact to the Virginia National Guard and the people we serve. You have made my command an enjoyable one through your commitment to excellence and our shared sense of purpose. Your professionalism and dedication to duty enabled our unit to train the future leaders of our organization. That is your legacy and what I am most proud of when I think of my time here.”
Mason thanked the VNG senior leadership for the trust and confidence they placed in him and affording him the opportunity to command. He said that like many officers he holds in high regard, he was raised, trained and influenced by Virginia’s most knowledgeable and professional NCOs, many who were instructors at RTI.
Mason said the tenure of the command ahead of him is more important now than ever with numerous potential flashpoints both at home and abroad.
“As a regional training institute, we must prepare the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers our nation has so graciously entrusted us to prepare for whatever the future may hold,” he said. “We must ensure that our infantrymen, mortarmen, motor transport operators, new lieutenants and warrant officers have the confidence in their knowledge, skills and abilities to perform their duties. Our job isn't to train new Soldiers, but to provide transformational training that will enhance their warrior skill craft and increase their technical and tactical proficiency while improving their adaptive and critical thinking skills.”
The motivation for the unit and leaders is not just to pass accreditation, get top blocks on evaluations or individual credit, Mason said.
“We'll do this because it is what our nation asks of us and because of the trust placed in us by her citizens and the families of these warriors,” he said. “We owe it to those like us who raised their right hand and swore to support and defend the Constitution. We owe it to those who, like us, may be called upon to perform their duties to uphold sovereignty and protect democracy. While the future may be uncertain, one thing can be sure: we will work tirelessly, meticulously, and thoroughly to prepare these Soldiers and leaders to be adaptive, confident, and capable of executing their duties. I know that each instructor, staff officer and commander shares this commitment and will join me in accomplishing the task before us.”
Mason said he was honored and humbled to lead such a knowledgeable, dedicated and professional organization.
“I look forward to working with you to prepare warriors and leaders to be the best and most well-trained warriors in their profession,” he said.
All the leaders expressed their thanks to the families of both Kobernik and Mason for their continued support through years of service.
“There is no way I could have been successful without your support and your daily sacrifice which allows me to serve.” Kobernik told his family. “Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.”
Mason echoed Kobernik’s sentiments about the importance of family.
“To my family, I would not be standing here if you had not been standing beside me throughout my career,” Mason said. “I owe great credit to my mom, who can't be here today, and my late father, who forged the foundation upon which others have added during my career.”
Mason also recognized his wife, saying, “I couldn't do what I do without you.” He told his kids, “you guys are why I do what I do, and I love you more than you'll ever know. I couldn't be prouder of you.”
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the ceremony.