Tech Alumnus Linch Named Commander

Lt. Col. Perry J. Linch, a 1991 graduate of Arkansas Tech University, has been promoted to commander of the Arkansas Army National Guard 142nd Fires Brigade 1st Battalion.

Linch was formally installed to his new position during a ceremony at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center on Friday.

“I’m excited about the chance to lead the fine soldiers of the 1st Battalion,” said Linch in a news release provided by the Arkansas National Guard. “This is a great battalion capable of great things.”

Originally from Dardanelle, Linch obtained a bachelor’s degree in music education from Arkansas Tech.

His civilian career has seen him serve as band director for Mills University Studies High School in the Pulaski County Special School District, but the news release from the Arkansas National Guard stated that as of late he has been supervising the equipment reset for deploying guard units.

According to the news release, Linch will oversee 400 soldiers in his new role as commander. The 1st Battalion maintains, operates and fires the Multiple Launch Rocket System.

Linch and his wife, 1990 Tech graduate Dr. Michele Ballentine-Linch, have two children: Jon-Austen (15) and Mary-Kaylin (9).

Dr. Ballentine-Linch is the dean of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Arkansas Baptist College and she serves as chair of the e-Stem Middle Charter School Board.

]]>