Photo By Sgt. Daniela Lechuga | U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek J. Raymond, the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion,...... read more read more
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FORT RILEY, Kansas — The 1st Infantry Division conducted a combined activation ceremony and assumption of command and responsibility for Victory Reception Company (VRC), Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Division Artillery, 1st Inf. Div., at Cavalry Parade Field, Fort Riley, Kansas, Oct. 19, 2023.
Big Red One Soldiers, senior leaders, distinguished guests, friends, and family of the VRC attended the ceremony to witness the uncasing of the colors and the assumption of command, and responsibility.
Although Installation Reception Companies are a new formation within the Army, their purpose can be traced back to the Replacement Depots that were established during World War I. These organizations were responsible for training newly arrived soldiers while accounting for personnel returning to the home front. Personnel Service Battalions (PSBs) replaced the Replacement Depots following the Vietnam War. However, as the Army modernized in response to the changing demands during the War on Terrorism, PSBs were deactivated, and their mission was given to Garrison Departments of Human Resources.
As the First Infantry Division officially activated its Installation Reception Company and uncased the colors, it began the new company's history and lineage.
After assuming command and responsibility, Capt. William Gagnon-Brubaker, the newly appointed VRC commander, along with 1st Sgt. Jason M. Wright, the newly appointed first sergeant of the VRC, and Lt. Col. Derek J. Raymond, the commander of HHBn, 1st Inf. Div., conducted a passing of colors ceremony.
During the ceremony, Raymond passed the company guidon to Gagnon-Brubaker, officially designating him as the first commander of the new company. Gagnon-Brubaker then entrusted Wright with the responsibility of the unit by passing him the guidon. Finally, Wright passed the guidon to the guidon bearer, symbolizing his allegiance to the Soldiers of VRC and the continuation of the NCO support channel.
“There's a saying, ‘First impressions are lasting impressions’,” Raymond said. “I can't think of a more meaningful expression that represents the Victory Reception Company. The VRC is the first impression of the 1st Infantry Division for every Soldier.”
Raymond gave his remarks, explaining the importance and mission of the new unit.
“While we are not in combat operations today, the Victory Reception Company prepares every new Soldier to arrive at their new units, ready to train for combat operations,” Raymond said.
“When Soldiers leave VRC, they arrive at their new units ready to train. They are ready to become more lethal, and they are ready to deploy, fight, and win our nation's wars.”
On the other hand, Gagnon-Brubaker discussed how leaders across the division collaborated to establish the VRC.
“Today's activation ceremony marks the culmination of 23 months of hard work transitioning reception operations from the Fort Riley Garrison to the First Infantry Division,” Gagnon-Brubaker said. “This could only be achieved with the close cooperation of leaders across the 1st Infantry Division, the Fort Riley Garrison and the Fort Riley Community.”
He expressed gratitude to past and present Soldiers and NCOs for their assistance in preparing incoming Soldiers for their units.
“Thank you again for your tireless efforts in taking care of Soldiers and preparing them for their new assignment,” Gagnon-Brubaker said. “Your hard work does not go unnoticed by the leaders across this installation and is reflected in consistent praise and thanks I hear from new Soldiers and their Families long after they have departed our care.”
The VRC will continue to ensure seamless integration of new soldiers and their families into the 1st Inf. Div., Fort Riley, and Flint Hills Community while building combat power for the division and Fort Riley units.
| Date Taken: | 10.19.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 11.06.2023 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 457194 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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