Utica, N.Y. (AP) - A veteran of the war in Afghanistan is taking command this weekend of a Utica-based infantry battalion in the New York Army National Guard.
Military officials say a change-of-command ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon at the State Armory in Utica. Lt. Col. Christopher Cronin of Rochester is taking command of the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, part of the Syracuse-based 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Cronin replaces Lt. Col. Joseph Biehler (BEE'-ler) of Webster. The National Guard announced earlier this week that Biehler has been named commander of the 27th Brigade.
Cronin previously served with the New York State Police and is a special agent with the FBI in civilian life. He entered the military after graduating from Syracuse University in 1993. In Afghanistan, he helped train Afghan army combat troops.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
