Photo By Cpl. Alec Brueggemann | Col. Lucas S. VanAntwerp gives a speech during his change of command ceremony on Fort...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Friends, Family and Soldiers of 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) gathered as the colors passed from outgoing commander, Col. Lucas S. VanAntwerp, to incoming commander, Col. Justin D. Hufnagel at Thorne Plaza on Fort Carson, July 19, 2023.
The ceremony formally marked Hufnagel’s ascension as the commander of the 10th SFG (A).
“It’s been the honor of our lives. Not because of the time in history we’re in, but because of the people, the opportunity to serve that God gave us,” VanAntwerp said. “It was a privilege to serve alongside you and to serve you. Tomorrow is not a right, earn it.”
During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Lawrence G. Ferguson, Commander of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), recognized Col. VanAntwerp for his successful commanding of 10th SFG (A).
“Luke, you had a tremendous run at Group. They say timing is everything. You came in at a serious infliction point for the organization,” said Ferguson. “Your leadership, your energy, your drive, your passion has been evident throughout. It has been an honor watching you grow from the sideline. Even when it got difficult, you never quit.”
Ferguson spoke about how great it has been to watch Hufnagel grow as a leader, along with his excitement to see Hufnagel take command.
“We watched you lead that [3rd Battalion] formation with energy, drive and passion,” said Ferguson. “And I’m very excited about you taking command of this formation…this Group is in good hands and I can’t wait to be working with you again.”
Following his completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course, Hufnagel was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th SFG (A) where he served in command within Group, from the Detachment to Battalion levels. Before arriving back to Fort Carson to fulfill his role as commander of 10th SFG (A), he served as the 1st Special Forces Command G3 Operations Officer and as a U.S. Army War College Fellow at Duke University in North Carolina.
“What an incredible honor and privilege. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me Sir. “Your story illustrates the power of generational partnerships,” Hufnagel said as he addressed Ferguson specifically. “As my favorite Green Beret likes to say, ‘You’ve excelled at what is our essential task - step into a tough situation and make it better one day at a time.’”
Hufnagel emphasized that there is a lot of work ahead of Group, including the need to have the right attitude to take care of both our teammates and our Families, as well as remembering and honoring those who have fallen.
“As we prepare for the next phase, we’re going to press forward on the same azimuth, guided by trust, character, and excellence,” said Hufnagel. “Getting up each morning looking for work and solving problems. Taking care of our teammates and Families and continue to remember our fallen honoring their service and sacrifice.”
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.07.2023 14:48 |
| Story ID: | 449798 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Hometown: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 3,071 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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