Photo By Bernhard Lashleyleidner | Brig. Gen. Eric Wesley, left, acting senior mission commander, 1st Infantry Division,...... read more read more
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Soldiers with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, took part in a brigade change of command ceremony June 26 at the post’s Cavalry Parade Field at Fort Riley, Kan.
More than 250 Soldiers stood in formation, along with a three-man firing detail for 'Old Thunder,' a 16-man cannon firing crew, the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard, and a host of family and
friends that came out to say farewell to outgoing 1st ABCT commander, Col. John Reynolds III, and to welcome Col. Timothy Hayden, the incoming commander.
“The division could not have accomplished all that we have without the ‘Devil’ brigade,” said Brig. Gen. Eric Wesley, acting senior mission commander, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley. “This brigade was on point throughout the Middle East.”
Reynolds began his speech by thanking Wesley and Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk, 1st Inf. Div., and Fort Riley commanding general, for their kind words, mentorship and support throughout his time as commander.
“It has been an honor to serve with you and the ‘Big Red One’ for the last year and a half,” Reynolds said. “Your leadership style of empowering and trusting subordinates is the best in the Army.”
Reynolds said the day was bittersweet because he and his wife, Andrea, would miss their Fort Riley family. He also thanked all his fellow commanders and community leaders who attended his change of
command.
“We will never forget all the support we received (from) the Central Flint Hills community here and throughout our deployment to Kuwait,” Reynolds said. “It has been an honor to live and work in such a fine
community that supports the military like you.”
Reynolds paused during his speech and asked the crowd to look closely at the many battle streamers waving in the wind throughout the formation.
He said each of the streamers represented an accomplishment of the brigade.
“The streamers you see represent missions from World War I, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve,” Reynolds said. “They speak to the commitment of the past and the current Soldiers willing to fight for something bigger than themselves.”
In closing, Reynolds thanked the battalion command teams for their professionalism and for remaining focused on the objectives.
He also thanked 1st ABCT Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Evans for his advice, wisdom and friendship.
“This has been a great opportunity to command this awesome brigade,” Reynolds said. “I am truly proud to say I am a Big Red One Soldier through and through.”
With the passing of the guidon, Hayden became the newest 1st ABCT commander.
“Col. Hayden is an exceedingly accomplished armor officer – he’s led nearly every type of formation the Army has built in the last two decades,” Wesley said. “He is versatile, agile and exceedingly bright
and he understands people and leadership.”
Hayden thanked Wesley for the opportunity to lead the brigade.
“You have a tremendous reputation as a disciplined and lethal brigade combat team,” Hayden said. “I am honored and humbled to join your ranks.”
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2015 17:29 |
| Story ID: | 180216 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 93 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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