3-1 Cavalry Soldiers welcome new troop commander

Photo By Sgt. Natalie Loucks | Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, Columbus, Ga., the outgoing commander of Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, hands the troop guidon to Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, Louden, Tenn., commander 3-1 Cav. Regt., signifying his relinquishment of command during a change of command ceremony Sept. 15, at Patrol Base Cashe, Iraq.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

09.17.2007

Story by Sgt. Natalie Loucks 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, welcomed a new troop commander while saying farewell to another during a change of command ceremony Sept. 15 at Patrol Base Cashe.

Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, of Columbus, Ga., spent one year as Headquarters Troop commander before relinquishing his command to Capt. David Smith of Grand Rapids, Mich.

"For the past 12 months, this troop has been led by a commander who believes in action," said Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, of Louden, Tenn., commander, 3-1 Cav. Regt. "He is a true leader who affected many in our organization, our Soldiers and Iraqi families."

Hathaway always led from the front, Kolasheski said. He gave one example of Hathaway heading a lengthy mission to get much needed medical aid to an Iraqi boy he came to know well. The mission was a success.

Hathaway, an infantry officer, came to Headquarters Troop after commanding Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, for 18 months.

"Capt. Hathaway led a very challenging organization," Kolasheski said. "This is a tough day for me because of the friendship we have. It's been an honor to command with you. Good luck as you move out."

Hathaway will be assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team's staff as assistant operations officer.

Although Hathaway will be greatly missed, Kolasheski thinks highly of Smith and is confident he will be able to fill the outgoing commander's shoes.

"I have no doubt Capt. Smith will take the reins and move out smartly," he said.

Smith is no stranger to 3rd HBCT, having served as battalion maintenance officer for 1st Battalion, 30th Inf. Regt. when it was assigned to the brigade.

During 3rd HBCT's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, Smith was assigned as the Military Transition Team Leader for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade at Forward Operating Base Normandy, where the 1-30 Inf. Regt. was stationed.

After redeploying to the U.S., Smith assumed command of Company B, 1-30 Inf. Regt., and after the unit was re-designated as the 3-1 Cav. Regt., Smith remained commander of Troop B.

Hathaway is confident of the incoming commander's ability to command Headquarters Troop and wished Smith good luck during his final moments in command.

"You are the perfect person for the job," Hathaway said to Smith. "You are commanding a great group of Soldiers and you will enjoy every minute of it."

"Thank you for handing over a great troop," Smith said. "I will work hard to build on your success."

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

• Date Taken: 09.17.2007
• Date Posted: 09.17.2007 13:02
• Story ID: 12398
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ