MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade has a new commander after a formal ceremony in Milwaukee, July 8.

The nearly 1,700-Soldier 157th MEB, known as the “Iron Brigade,” bid farewell to outgoing commander Col. J.R. Treharne after leading the brigade since March. Col. Daniel Pulvermacher succeeds him as the new commander.

Pulvermacher is now charged with the ultimate responsibility of leading and preparing the 157th to fulfill its federal mission as the Army’s primary combat reserve, or here in the state as the first military responder in times of emergency.

For his efforts, hard work and dedication to the Iron Brigade, Treharne was presented with a bayonet, inscribed, “Your leadership, guidance and direction left a lasting impression that will not be forgotten.”

Treharne will resume his position as the deputy chief of staff of operations and plans for the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

In his final remarks, Treharne reminded the soldiers of the 157th and the incoming commander to not settle and continuously improve your situation.
“It’s a great organization and it’s a pleasure to have led.” he said. “I am leaving here more rounded as a leader.”

In his last official act as commander, Treharne passed the brigade colors to Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, Wisconsin’s deputy adjutant general for Army, who then presented them to Pulvermacher, formally completing the change of command.

Treharne said, “I’d like to welcome Col. Pulvermacher. He’s the right person at the right time for this brigade.”

Pulvermacher said he’s honored to serve the Iron Brigade, thanked his family for years of support and thanked the Soldiers for their sacrifices.

“My family is most precious to me, but in this uniform I have two families,” Pulvermacher said. “One at home and one in uniform.”

“I want to thank the Iron Brigade for welcoming me and honoring me with this opportunity,” he added.

Pulvermacher has served full time in a series of demanding positions including as director of the Wisconsin National Guard’s Construction and Facilities Management Office. He most recently served as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) for Wisconsin. Pulvermacher’s military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, the Combined Arms Exercise Course, Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army War College and numerous other courses. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UW-Platteville and is a 2014 graduate of the United States Army War College.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, the 157th is a diverse brigade with units statewide, spanning artillery, engineer and support units — all of which can be employed in support of the National Guard’s state and federal missions.