Photo By Maj. William Duvall | The 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (678th ADA BDE), South Carolina National...... read more read more
EASTOVER, S.C. -- The 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (ADA BDE), South Carolina National Guard, conducted a change of command ceremony, April 6, 2019, at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina recognizing outgoing commander, U.S. Army Col. Richard A. Wholey Jr., and welcoming the incoming commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. (promotable) Michael Gibson.
Wholey, a resident of Anderson, South Carolina, has served as the commander for the past three years. He recently returned from a deployment with the brigade to Europe in support of the European Deterrence Initiative, where the unit accomplished many firsts for the air defense community. Gibson, a resident of Tallahassee, Florida, is coming from the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion (FA BN), South Carolina National Guard, where he served as the battalion commander, as well as the 678th ADA BDE rear detachment commander while the unit was deployed. The 678th ADA BDE is headquartered in Eastover, South Carolina.
In attendance were U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, adjutant general for South Carolina, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Sheriff, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) commander, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj., Russell A. Vickery, South Carolina National Guard command sergeant major, and many other distinguished South Carolina National Guard Soldiers.
Sheriff spoke, thanking the Families for their support and for traveling to the ceremony.
“What a job Col. Wholey has done. Commanding this brigade a month shy of three years. During that time, there were multiple deployments, homeland defense, working at the AAMDC, and work to put the first brigade back in Europe since the draw down of the cold war,” Sheriff praised. “Some time ago, we combined the Air Defense and the Field Artillery, creating one center of excellence and it is for both of those branches. There is no other state that has a true fires formation, this state (South Carolina) does.”.
Sheriff recognized Gibson as an Air Defender who has recently transitioned from command of the 1-178th FA BN. Sheriff added, Gibson did a phenomenal job rebuilding strength and gaining all the confidence of his leadership who know he will do a great job at the 678th ADA BDE as their commander.
Wholey began his speech with a motivational paraphrase spoken by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brad Owens during a recent leaders call.
“We (U.S. Army Soldiers) have the privilege to wear the cloths of our nation”, began Wholey. “You are America’s finest, the elite 1%, sworn to fight and win our nation's wars and ultimately our way of life.”
Wholey continued to praise the 678th ADA BDE subordinate units during his command, mentioning U.S. Army Lt. Col. Clary, 1-178th FA BN commander, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Moore, 1-178th FA BN command sergeant major, and their high levels of navigating Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations and DSCA Operational Tempo (OPTEMPO). The 1-178th FA BN also can boast medical, personnel strength, and readiness percentages at an all-time high.
Wholey began discussing, U.S. Army Maj. (P) Ridgeway, 2-263rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion (ADA BN) commander, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major. Jones, 2-263rd ADA BN command sergeant major, praising the battalion on their concurrent deployments to the National Capital Region (NCR) and Europe. Their deployment to Europe was the standing up of the first SHORAD (Short Range Air Defense) battery in Europe since the draw down of the cold war. Finally, Wholey praised the battalion with receiving the Hamilton Award, a distinction of having the best Air Defense formation in the National Guard.
“To the Soldiers of the 678th ADA Brigade, your hard work reflects in your great pride and the traditions of the Field Artillery, the Air Defense, and Brigade Headquarters,” Gibson stated, also praising the 678th ADA BDE Soldiers in attendance. “Your accomplishments and your reputation proceed you around the world and I ask you to continue to uphold the great reputation and tradition of the Soldiers that have come before you.”
During their speeches, both Wholey and Gibson thanked their command for the opportunity and the support in their careers, giving them the chance and guidance for success.
Accompanying Wholey, was his wife, Marilyn Wholey, his son, Trey, and their niece, Chelsea. He thanked them for their sacrifices and service.
“God is good,” added Wholey. “He answered my prayers, providing me with an amazing, beautiful, woman.”
Gibson, was also accompanied by his wife, Laura, and their daughters, Kylie and Amanda, and he also thanked them for their sacrifices.
“Brigade Soldiers, spouses, and their Families are no stranger to these types of sacrifices,” said Gibson.
The ceremony included the National Anthem and the Army Song, followed by a receptions for all guests.
| Date Taken: | 04.06.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.06.2019 18:48 |
| Story ID: | 317186 |
| Location: | EASTOVER, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 496 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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