North Carolina Army National Guard Lt. Col. Rodney Newton, the newly-appointed 105th Engineer Battalion commander, admires a cake made in his honor during his reception at Hoke County High School in Raeford, N.C., Jan. 11. The reception followed a change of command ceremony signifying the passing of the leadership mantle. Newton, of Clayton, N.C., began his military career in 1987, entered the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1990 and completed officer’s candidate school in 1995. (National Guard Photo by Sgt. Ruth McClary, 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs/Released)