Photo By Sgt. Matthew Connor | During a Change of Command ceremony Lt. Col. Michael S. Walter, the Incoming...... read more read more
Friends, family and Trailblazer Soldiers of the 4th Division Sustainment Battalion said goodbye to Lt. Col. Brian G. Jones as he relinquished command to Lt. Col. Michael S. Walter, in a ceremony Jun. 26, at Founders Field, Fort Carson, Colo.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. This transition ensures the continuity and effectiveness of the unit's mission, operations, and commitment to service.
Command Sgt. Maj. Natalie Rodriguez 4th DSTB senior enlisted advisor, handed over the colors to Jones one final time, in the presence of Col. Julie A. Maxwell, commander, 4th Division Sustainment Brigade. This act of passing the unit colors symbolizes mission accomplishment and the relinquishment of Lt. Col. Jones’s responsibilities as commander. The colors were then passed to Lt. Col. Walter, who accepted command of the battalion.
Col. Maxwell took the opportunity to share her thoughts, having watched the DSTB under the command of Jones.
“Lt. Col. Brian Jones is a finance officer whose time in command demanded agility and willingness to broaden his spectrum of knowledge, and Brian has done this exceptionally well. Brian and this diverse team, plug in to support at every echelon of operations.” said Maxwell. “The leadership challenge of an DSTB commander is challenging and requires only the very best. I’m incredibly proud of the reputation that you built on the Trailblazer team, leave here proud of the team you developed and all you have accomplished.”
But with the departure of one leader, Maxwell welcomed the newest addition to the 4th DSB family.
“The next year, the DSB will focus on warfighting and the DSTB plays a critical role. Michael is the right leader at the right time to lead the next chapter of the Trailblazer team,” said Maxwell. “Mike welcome to you, Tracy and your children. Your Engagement during this transition gives me full faith, trust and confidence in your leadership abilities.”
As outgoing commander, Jones had the opportunity to say goodbye to his Trailblazer Soldiers and leaders.
“I stand here today after 735 days in command. I stand here after those 735 days, sad but grateful. Sad to give up command of this great organization, but grateful for everything I got to watch this battalion do,” said Jones. “I am truly humbled that the Army chose me for the task of leading the Trailblazer team. It is without a doubt, the highlight of my Army career so far and will be, no matter how long I serve.”
Lt. Col. Walter and his family arrives at Fort Carson and the DSTB with more than 20 years of service and experience. He has led troops at various levels, as an enlisted Soldier and an officer. Most recently, he served at the Army Adjutant General School, Fort Jackson, S.C. Lt. Col. Walter has multiple deployments in support of Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In his remarks, Walter spoke about what it means to take over as the new commander of the Stagecoach family and what responsibilities that will come with it.
“Col. Maxwell, thank you for your willingness to place your faith and confidence in me,” said Walter. “I gladly take the responsibility of leading this amazing battalion, I will lead by example, set the standard and energetically execute our mission in support of the Rough Riders, the 4th Infantry Division and our nation.”
“My family and I are excited to join the Trailblazer team. I have confidence in your abilities and willingness to meet the call of our nation as we blaze a new path forward,” concluded Walter.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the 4th Infantry Division and the Army Song.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2024 13:52 |
| Story ID: | 475300 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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