Promotion and change of command ceremonies

The historic St Francis Barracks parade grounds will be the backdrop when Colonel James Eifert receives his promotion to the rank of brigadier general on Friday afternoon in a military ceremony held at 82 Marine Street in St Augustine February 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

A Florida Air National Guard spokesman reported to Historic City News that Eifert is a full-time resident of Fleming Island and currently serves as the Commander of the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville.

Upon his promotion to one-star general, Eifert will serve as Assistant Adjutant General for Air and Deputy Commander of the Florida Air National Guard. The change of command ceremony at the 125th Fighter Wing will be Sunday beginning at 3:00 p.m. at 14300 Florida Air National Guard Drive at Jacksonville International Airport.

Col. Brian Simpler, who currently serves as the unit’s deputy commander, will officially take command from Brigadier General Eifert.

Eifert began his military career in the U.S. Air Force in 1982, and has served in various leadership positions with the Florida Air National Guard since 1996. He is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flight hours.

125th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Seger will assume authority as the unit’s top enlisted person from Command Chief Master Sgt. Sharon Ervin during the Jacksonville event on Sunday.

Also, on Sunday, February 10, at 10:00 a.m., the Florida Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, will hold a Change of Command Ceremony for Lt. Col. Cecil Cauley; who will officially take command of the Army Aviation unit from Lt. Col. William Mignon.

Both Cauley and Mignon are residents of St Augustine.

If you plan to attend the Sunday morning ceremony, it will be held at the Cecil Commerce Center Florida National Guard Aviation Support Facility located at 13630 Crossover Street in Jacksonville.