Photo By Alun Thomas | Lt. Col. K. Scott Morley, commander, Phoenix Recruiting Battalion, salutes the...... read more read more
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Recruiting Battalion welcomed new commander Lt. Col. K. Scott Morley, following a change of command ceremony at the Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, July 19.
Morley replaced outgoing commander Lt. Col. Dave Clukey, who had been in charge of the battalion since July 2016.
Clukey retired from the Army following the ceremony, following 20 years of service, the majority of it spent in Special Forces.
Overseeing the ceremony was Col. Roman Cantu, commander, 5th Recruiting Brigade, United States Recruiting Command, who praised Clukey for his contributions to the battalion during his tenure in command.
“As the commander of the Phoenix battalion, he has been instrumental in achieving over 4100 regular Army and Army Reserve contracts,” Cantu said. “His successful achievements are the direct result of his fine leadership and the leadership at all levels of this command.”
Cantu said the battalion is gaining a superb leader in Morley, who is ready to take the responsibility of leading the recruiting mission.
“During his time in Special Forces Operations, he has undertaken some difficult assignments across the globe,” Cantu said of Morley. “In his most recent assignment he served in Bogota, Colombia, as the special operations liaison officer. Clearly he a capable and accomplished officer and leader who will be a tremendous asset to the battalion and brigade.”
In his farewell speech Clukey thanked everyone who helped make his two years at the battalion successful and said the organization had made tremendous strides during his time as commander.
“I’m proud of the team, they have come a long way. We have amazing people assigned to an extremely challenging and daunting mission, a mission that simply never ends,” Clukey said. “We are charged with sourcing the Army with its most valuable resource, its people. We simply provide the Army its strength. This mission is of paramount importance to our U.S. National Security interests. “
Clukey said he was proud of the various successes achieved by the battalion over the past two years, including initiatives undertaken to support Future Soldiers.
“The fact the many of our Future Soldiers attended their first professional baseball game in style warms my heart,” he said. “When they reflect on their oath of enlistment experience, they can say with pride that they made their solemn oath to selflessly serve our nation as U.S. Army Soldiers on Chase Field - or outside of the University of Phoenix Stadium in front of a Special Operations aircraft.”
Clukey praised Morley as a tremendous leader, who is more than equipped to take the reins as battalion commander.
“I have known Scott since we were young lieutenants together in 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. I was impressed with his leadership 20 years ago, and I think the same now, albeit with even more conviction,” Clukey said. “I can think of no better person or any officer better suited to take command of the Phoenix Battalion. He has my respect as a true warrior, consummate professional, and a Soldiers leader. Scott, it was my honor to pass the guidon of this exceptional unit to you.”
Clukey said he will always be grateful for the opportunity to lead the battalion and its many recruiters and civilians.
“I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to support and lead this great formation and can’t think of a better place to culminate my 20 years in the Army,” he said. “For the Team, when times get tough, never lose sight of the importance of your mission or the significant positive impacts you make on the lives of thousands of young Americans.”
During his introductory speech as new commander, Morley said he looked forward to continuing the job done by Clukey, who helped grow the battalion to new heights.
"Dave, thank you for your leadership to this great battalion … furthermore thank you for your 20 years of service to this nation,” Morley said. “No one – and I mean no one – could ever question your commitment and unwavering dedication to your duty for this country. Thank you for taking this unit to where it is today.”
Morley said he readily accepts the task of leading the battalion and looks forward to the job ahead.
“It will be a privilege to work for all of you over the next two years. Our country asks us to entrust us with their sons and daughters, sisters and brothers,” he continued. “It is a truly special mission that necessitates trust all throughout our area of operation. It’s up to us to build that trust and earn their respect.”
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2018 19:05 |
| Story ID: | 285023 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 526 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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