Photo By Shatara Riis | Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, U.S. Army Cyber Command commanding general, passes the guidon...... read more read more
The Army Cyber Protection Brigade both welcomed a new leader and bid farewell to its outgoing commander in a ceremony, Oct. 27, 2022, at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
During the change of command, Col. John Popiak relinquished command of the “Hunter Brigade” to Col. Christopher Stauder.
A native of Annapolis, Maryland, Stauder enlisted in the Army as a Psychological Operations specialist in 1994 and commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer in May of 2000.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to command such an amazing brigade. Thank you to the amazing Soldiers and civilians of the Cyber Protection Brigade,” Stauder said. “You have quietly and passionately protected our nation against the most challenging adversaries. You’ve done this every day, including weekends and holidays, and I want to publicly recognize the incredible work you and your families have accomplished. I’m extremely lucky to become a ‘Hunter’ today.”
Stauder thanked John and Elizabeth Popiak for making his transition to the brigade’s command successful, and his family for their years of support.
“You can measure the professionalism of an organization by how it transitions leaders, and to no surprise, it was great,” Stauder said. “John prepared the brigade and then seamlessly educated me on things I needed to know and allowed me time to prepare for what’s after today. You made this the best experience possible.”
“To my wife, Tania, thank you for unquestionably supporting me. She isn’t from a military family, so I don’t think when we met 15 years ago, she knew exactly what she was signing up for,” Stauder said. “She always finds time, regardless of where we are geographically, to keep us closely grounded.”
Stauder concluded his remarks with words he said his sister Melissa wrote more than two decades ago in a congratulatory card at his commissioning.
“Remember to be true to yourself. Be disciplined and honest and strive to earn the respect of your troops,” Stauder said. “You will always have at least one Soldier who follows you.”
“In adhering to my sister’s guidance, hopefully, there will be 1,200-plus Hunters joining that one,” Stauder said. “You’re truly the best brigade in the Army; I’m privileged to be a part of this team. I am honored to be your commander.”
Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, U.S. Army Cyber Command commanding general, presided over the change of command ceremony. With the passing of the colors from brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Flickinger, to Popiak, to Barrett, and finally to Stauder, the brigade ushered in a new era.
“Under John’s leadership and direction, this brigade has become the cyber force that meets our shared idea of command-centric technical maneuver force in cyberspace,” Barrett said. “I am incredibly proud of the groundbreaking work you (and the Hunter Brigade) have achieved in a very short amount of time.”
As the oldest of nine children, Stauder is a born leader, Barrett said.
“Chris has done exceptionally well in the Army. You are getting a leader who doesn’t crack under pressure, can think through ambiguous situations, who will listen and receive feedback from the team, and provide guidance on how to proceed forward,” Barrett said. “You have gained a leader today that knows how to navigate through whatever that next transformation is for this brigade.”
In his parting comments, Popiak thanked the “Hunters” and told them they are fortunate to have Stauder leading the brigade.
“This brigade is asked to do so much on behalf of our Army and nation, and you have never failed to heed the call,” Popiak said. “I am thankful and humbled to (have contributed) a small amount to this brigade.”
Popiak said that while he hands Stauder the keys to the ‘swag’ store, the mantle, and forever signs off as call sign Artemis 6, he will forever remain a ‘Hunter’ in his heart.
“Chris you are absolutely the right person to be here,” Popiak added. “You have made leaving the CPB joyful knowing that you have arrived to become a part of this family.”
Designated as one of two U.S. Army cyber brigades in June of 2014, the CPB began defensive cyber operations and employed Cyber Protection Teams in support of Joint Force and Army priorities worldwide.
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2022 23:32 |
| Story ID: | 432290 |
| Location: | FORT GORDON, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 577 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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