79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

12/03/2026

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, held a change of command ceremony where Capt. Sheila Velasco assumed command from Capt. Matthew R. Zari, Feb. 2026, in the 79th IBCT's headquarters in San Diego, Calif. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the transfer of authority, responsibility and trust within the
formation.

The ceremony was presided over by Col. Anthony K. Bangloy, who thanked Zari for his leadership and welcomed Velasco as the incoming company commander.

“Command is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires vision, empathy, discipline and
courage,” Bangloy said, "to the Soldiers of HHC, this ceremony represents continuity not disruption."

For his commitment to excellence, Zari received an Army Commendation Medal.



40th Infantry Division | California Army National Guard | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC) | National Guard | U.S. Army | U.S. Department of War | California National Guard

09/03/2026

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher J. Luzader, acting first sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, celebrated his retirement Oct. 2025, at the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Headquarters in San Diego, Calif. Luzader began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps before continuing his service in the Army.

During the ceremony, Capt. Matthew R. Zari, commander, HHC, 79th IBCT, presented Luzader with the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his leadership, mentorship and dedication to Soldiers.

Thank you for 41 years of service and commitment.



40th Infantry Division | California Army National Guard | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC) | National Guard | U.S. Army | U.S. Department of War | California National Guard

26/02/2026

Introducing the new 79th IB⚡️CT Brigade Coin.

This isn’t just metal. It’s identity. It’s expectation. It’s standard.

The tombstone shape represents finality and dominance. When the Thunderbolts closes with the enemy, resistance ends.

The skull reflects the warrior ethos and profession. Disciplined lethality, unflinching resolve, decisive action.

The spear reminds us we lead from the front, spearheading every operation or mission, piercing defenses and creating momentum.

The thunderbolt represents speed, shock, and precision.

The campaign star honors those who carried the fight before us, and signals our readiness for what’s next.

And across the top is our directive:

DOMINATE THE FIGHT!

This coin will be earned, not given. Awarded to those who embody speed, violence of action, lethality, and disciplined professionalism.

The 79th IB⚡️CT is the Thunderbolt Brigade, and we Dominate the Fight!!

07/01/2026

In the last 12 months, the 79th IBCT promoted 440 Noncommissioned Officers.

That is not just a number, it is the deliberate development of leaders who will shape our formations, our culture, and our future.

Every promotion represents earned trust, increased responsibility, and a Soldier ready to lead at the next level. The strength of this brigade will always rest on the quality of its NCO corps.

We are building leaders. We are raising standards. We are preparing for what comes next.

Thunderbolt Backbone, Dominate the Fight!

01/01/2026

25/12/2025

Stay safe, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the Thunderbolt family. 🎄⚡

23/12/2025

Thunderbolt Soldiers,

Thank you for an incredible year. ⚡️
Your professionalism, grit, and commitment to each other and to the mission made 2025 one to be proud of. From daily excellence to answering the call when it mattered most, you proved once again what this brigade is made of.

Please take a moment to read the attached end-of-year message, it captures just how much you’ve accomplished together.

Dominate the Fight.

19/12/2025

Dominate the Fight!