Photo By Gail Parsons | Capt. Michael L. Haynes, commander of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard,...... read more read more
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Story and photo by Gail Parsons
1st Inf. Div. Post
Command of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard transferred from Capt. Patrick L. Neky to Capt. Michael L. Haynes during a brief ceremony Dec. 12 at the Fort Riley indoor riding arena. The day was also the 223rd anniversary of the day the Continental Congress approved George Washington’s request for a light cavalry force to be added to the Continental Army.
Following the presentation of roses to the spouses of the incoming and outgoing commanders, Neky, Haynes and Lt. Col. John W. Brock II, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, rode forward and stopped in front of the troopers.
The custodian of the guidon was Sgt. 1st. Class Dale Siebert, acting 1st Sgt., he passed it to Neky who relinquished it and his command, to Brock, who in turn presented it to Haynes. The passing of the guidon back to Siebert completed the transfer of command.
After dismounting, Brock shared a few thoughts with the audience and Soldiers.
“This afternoon’s change of command recognizes the Soldiers and the leaders of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard standing in formation before you today,” he said. “The Soldiers and horses did an outstanding job during today's ceremony and look absolutely amazing.”
Brock shared that during the 10 months in which Neky was in command the CGMCG participated in more than 152 community engagements and performed for more than 250,000 people.
“Capt. Neky has absolutely excelled as company commander,” Brock said. “Liam, your leadership has been superb and you have left a lasting impact on the Army, the ‘Big Red One’ and the “De-fenders Battalion.”
He also thanked Neky’s wife, Amber, for her contributions to the unit as the CGMCG Soldier and Family Readiness Group leader, before welcoming and introducing the Haynes family.
“Though we're losing one outstanding commander today, we're gaining another,” he said. “I'd like to welcome Capt. Mike Haynes, his wife Angie and their three daughters to the Defender family. There's no doubt in my mind that Capt. Haynes is the right leader for this job.”
At the conclusion of Brock’s remarks, Neky stepped to the podium to thank those he had worked with for the memories he will take with him as he moves to his next duty assignment — Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
“How time flies when you're on the back of a horse — it's been a crazy, crazy 10 months,” he said. “The Defender family is vast and ever growing. And if you ever need anything, I'm just a phone call away, ready to pour you a glass of whiskey.”
He singled out several people for their professionalism and what they contributed to his career and the CGMCG. As a group, he commended them for their dedication to upholding the history of the
Cavalry.
He reminded them to stay humble and continue to strive for their best lives.
“And remember,” he said, “you represent the best … the United States Army has to offer.”
He saved his final words for his wife, whom he thanked for standing by him and expressed his love and appreciation, then turned the microphone over to Haynes.
“First Sergeant, the troops look amazing,” Haynes said. “Two hundred and forty-three years ago the Continental Congress initiated an act that calls the Cavalry to be born on this day in 1776. I look forward to taking that into the future with you.”
| Date Taken: | 12.20.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 01.06.2020 17:52 |
| Story ID: | 358298 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 293 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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