A Salina based regiment will become the first in the Kansas National Guard to be under the command of a woman.

According to the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office, Lt. Col. Judith D. Martin will take command of the 235th Regiment, Kansas Amy National Guard, in a ceremony this Saturday at the Kansas Regional Training Institute in Salina. She will become the first woman to command a brigade in the Kansas Army National Guard.

“It is my distinct honor to take command of the 235th Regiment,” said Martin. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with the outstanding cadre and staff as we prepare Soldiers for tomorrow’s missions and future challenges. Returning to the 235th Regiment is like returning home.”

Martin is taking over command from Col. Robert E. Windham.

“I will miss the men and women of the 235th Regiment; Soldiers that have covered a lot of ground in the past few years,” said Windham. “Their hard work and dedication have earned a high degree of recognition and accreditation for the regiment. They are, quite simply, the ?varsity team.? They will be in the good hands of Lieutenant Colonel Martin, as someone who can take them to the next level.”

The 235th Regiment, located in Salina, instructs the Officer Candidate and Warrant Officer Candidate Schools (OCS/WOCS), and courses in many military occupational specialties. The regiment provides military training to National Guard members in approximately 30 states including members of the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps.