INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): Leaders with the Indiana National Guard announced a new vice chief.

Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger named Col. Ron Westfall as vice chief of staff for the state's National Guard. He'll assume the new role Aug. 18. He replaces Col. Todd Townsend who is slated to retire in November.

According to a Indiana National Guard press release, Westfall serves as the director of strategic initiatives as full-time, federal technician.

Westfall will be responsible for advising and assisting the Joint Force Headquarters as he succeeds Townsend in the role of vice chief of staff.

Westfall has served three tours in Iraq and another mission in Bosnia.

Townsend, a 35-year vet, has been deployed to the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and was commander of Camp Atterbury. He also served in Iraq.