Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Sias | Lt. Col. Jim Davis, left, commander, 2nd Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Coyote,”...... read more read more
FORT BLISS, Texas – The 2nd Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Coyote,” 5th Armored Brigade, conducted a change of command ceremony at the Old Fort Bliss Museum here, June 3.
Soldiers, family members and leaders gathered around the “Coyote” formation to witness a remarkable ceremony that took place following Army tradition, honor and respect as Lt. Col. Jim Davis took over as the new commander and Lt. Col. Gary Lang relinquished his three-year command.
Before the ceremony began, Lang was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal by the ceremonial host, Col. William J. Schafer, 5th Armored Brigade commander. The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
Next, after the traditional passing of the battalion colors from the outgoing commander, to Schafer, then to the incoming commander, Schafer spoke to the formation and guests on several key points.
“In preparation for the battalion’s mobilization here, Lt. Col. Lang expertly guided the unit through pre-mobilization training to enable the unit to be successful to train joint war fighters,” said Schafer. “Throughout the course of his command, Lt. Col. Lang continually devoted himself to soldier welfare and organizational success.”
“Lt. Col. Davis, you are taking the reins of an organization whose history marks it as a superlative training support battalion with the 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, and the Army,” added Schafer. I have the conviction that your extensive, relevant experience has prepared you well to assume command.”
Lang then took the podium, standing in front of his “Coyote” troops one last time.
“…Thank you goes to the soldiers of the ‘Coyote’ Battalion. You know how much I care about you. It is tough to say goodbye, but know this, I will always be there for you, just like you have always been there for me.”
Fortunately, Lang’s new assignment is only a short distance away from the battalion he farewelled, as he has with new duty as deputy commanding officer of the 5th Armored Brigade.
Davis followed up and addressed his battalion for the first time.
“Members of the ‘Coyote’ battalion: some of you I have known from former units, others I have only recently met. No matter how long I have known you I want you to know it is an honor to be your new commander. I look forward to leading you as we move forward as a unit.”
The 2nd Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Coyote,” is an Army Reserve unit based in Sioux Falls, S.D. The battalion mobilized at Fort Bliss for 12 months in March. As are all First Army soldiers, “Coyote” soldiers are considered to be the Army’s premier trainers as they prepare joint war fighters for deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan and other contingencies.
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2011 14:52 |
| Story ID: | 72022 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 146 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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