Nebraska National Guard Welcomes New Land Component Commander
Following his promotion to brigadier general, Weskamp took over the command from Brig. Gen. Brian L. Medcalf, who has led the state's land forces since September 2024. Medcalf is transitioning to a new role as an assistant adjutant general.
Gov. Jim Pillen and Maj. Gen. Craig W. Strong, the adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard, emphasized the importance of family support, personal sacrifice, and trusted leadership during Weskamp’s promotion ceremony.
Pillen, who administered the oath of office to Weskamp that incorporated both federal and state allegiances, praised the new general’s 40-year military career and urged those in attendance to remember their core motivations for service.
"Leadership is much more than being a one-star or a two-star," Pillen said. "If we focus on our North Star, we focus on our 'why,' and we stay true to that 'why' of our service, we're being extraordinary leaders."
Weskamp, a native of Lincoln, joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in January 1987 when he enlisted as a fuel and electrical specialist. He later graduated from the Nebraska Army National Guard’s Officer Training Corps in 1997 where he received his commission as an ordnance (maintenance) officer.
Weskamp has since served in numerous leadership and command positions, including commanding two Nebraska Army National Guard companies during deployments to Iraq from 2003-05 and again from 2010-11. He has also served as commander of the Nebraska Army Guard’s 734th Transportation Battalion and 92nd Troop Command.
He most recently served as the Nebraska Army National Guard’s chief of staff.
In the change of command ceremony that followed, the traditional passing of the organizational colors marked the official transfer of authority from Medcalf to Weskamp.
Strong commended both generals for their dedication, highlighting the crucial military concept of mission command, trusting capable people to execute a mission without unnecessary micromanagement.
Medcalf, in his farewell remarks, reflected on a busy two-year tenure that included supporting missions in Washington, D.C., Romania, East Africa, the southern U.S. border, and Guantanamo Bay, as well as domestic wildfire responses.
He highlighted the real-world impact of Nebraska's soldiers by sharing a story of a Nebraska aeromedical evacuation unit deployed to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The team's swift launch in response to a live medevac request recently helped save a severely injured Soldier who had suffered a broken femur and dislocated hip during a vehicle recovery operation.
"Our troops do amazing things every day, and I'm so proud of all they do and all they've accomplished," Medcalf said.
In looking ahead to his new role, Weskamp pledged to focus on unit readiness and adaptability amid ongoing military modernization efforts.
"As you know, the Army is always changing, actively expanding or adopting new technologies and artificial intelligence to streamline our efficiencies and sharpen our tactical decision-making," Weskamp told the formation. "I promise to give you my absolute best every single day to ensure that you have what you need to succeed."
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