Franklin resident named brigade commander

A Franklin resident and longtime veteran has been named the new commander for an Indiana National Guard engineers brigade.

Lt. Col. John Roark, of Franklin, will take over command of the 219th Engineers Brigade, headquartered in Franklin. Roark fills the role previously occupied by Col. Sean P. Begley, who’s commanded the brigade since 2020.

The promotion was announced Wednesday by Brig. Gen. Dan Degelow, commanding general for the 38th Infantry Division.

“Colonel Roark is a proven officer who has led soldiers at every level. He is a talented engineering officer who brings a wealth of experience to the command team,” Degelow said. “Colonel Roark will continue to build upon the superb reputation of the 219th Engineer Brigade.”

Roark, a veteran of more than 35 years, began his military career as a private in the U.S. Marine Corps. He transitioned to the Indiana National Guard in 1996 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2000 from the Indiana Military Academy at Camp Atterbury.

He has served as a commander at every level from platoon leader to battalion commander leading the 113th Engineer Battalion for three years, including on its deployment to Kuwait in support of Spartan Shield for 11 months from 2019 to 2020.

In addition to the deployment in Kuwait, Roark also deployed with the Marines in support of Desert Storm in 1991 and led a company unit in support of Iraqi Freedom in 2008.

During Roark’s military career, he’s earned the Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and many others.

“I would like to thank Brig. Gen. Degelow for his trust and confidence in providing me the opportunity to command his 219th Engineer Brigade. It is an honor and privilege to serve the battle-tested and well-respected Cyclone Division,” Roark said in a statement. “I look forward to working with our 219th Engineer Brigade warfighters as we continue to build on our proud legacy of service anytime, anywhere.”

Roark has been married to his wife Amy for nearly 29 years, and they have three children and six grandchildren.