New leader takes charge of Camp Atterbury

Camp Atterbury has a new commander.

The Indiana National Guard is announcing that a change of command ceremony was held Sunday at the base which spans across parts of Bartholomew, Johnson and Brown counties. Col. Daniel Bell received command of the base from outgoing garrison commander Col. James Babbit.

Bell is a native of Spencer and originally enlisted in the Guard in 1997. He graduated from Indiana Officer Candidate School in 1999 and received his commission. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from Marian University, he holds masters degrees from the Indiana Institute of Technology and the U.S. Army War College.

Bell has previously served as Commander of the 138th Regiment Training Institute. On Camp Atterbury, he has previously served as commander installation support unit, range management authority/range officer along with chief of operations and deputy director of plans, training andmobilization.

During’s Sunday’s ceremony, Babbit received an Indiana Distinguished Service Medal from Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, in recognition of Babbit’s leadership and service.

Babbit had led the base since September of 2023.

Photo: Indiana National Guard Col. Daniel Bell, the incoming garrison commander of  Camp Atterbury, receives the unit colors from Indiana National Guard adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Atterbury, Dec. 7th. Indiana National Guard photo by Maj. Ryan Snider