Command of historic Houston based Texas Guard unit changes hands

Photo By Staff Sgt. Lamine Zarrad | Soldiers from 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team assembled in a formation for their change of command ceremony, held at the Westheimer Armory in Houston, April 15. The 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, “The Ready Team,” is an Army National Guard unit based in Houston, Texas. The brigade traces its lineage as far back as the Meuse-Argonne campaign of 1918, amphibious campaigns of the World War II, and in recent years a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

HOUSTON, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

04.15.2012

Story by Sgt. Lamine Zarrad 

36th Infantry Division (TXARNG)

HOUSTON -– The soldiers of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team stood still with their arms at their sides and heels firmly dug into the rocky Texas soil. The brigade had anticipated this event for quite some time - at last presented with an opportunity to carry out a remarkable ritual, honoring dedication, sacrifice and leadership.

The change-of-command ceremony, held at the Westheimer Armory here, April 15, personified one of the oldest and most cherished U.S. Army traditions, where the guidon, a unit’s banner affixed to a spear, is passed from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander and then returned to the unit’s most senior enlisted person.

Col. Charles "Chuck" Aris relinquished command to Lt. Col. Gregory Barrow who took over as the new commander. In swooping motion, Barrow firmly clutched the guidon from the incumbent officer, pivoting on his heels faced the enlisted man and handed him the banner.

"Barrow is an extremely competent leader and he is going to do a great job for the soldiers," said Maj. Gen. James "Red" Brown, a commanding general of the 36th Infantry Division.

"Never before in a history of this division have we had more competent leadership," said Brown. "The soldiers standing in this formation and their leaders are best we ever had in the history of the National Guard."

"I'd like to say thank you for the contributions in building the brigade's legacy," said Aris.

He took the podium, addressing his soldiers one last time: 

“It is with a sad heart that I say goodbye to everybody today, but also with a lot of excitement, as I am confident in the professionalism of soldiers and officers and feel privileged to have served with you."

"Greg Barrow is going to continue the brigade on the path and make it better," said Aris.

In concluding the ceremony, the incoming commander expressed gratitude as well as shared wisdom acquired over a long and a rewarding career.

"I have loved the Army for 28 years, and it keeps rewarding me with opportunities," said Barrow.

Referencing a common work history with the outgoing commander, Barrow recounted several lessons learned from Aris.

"I value our professional experience together, but most of all, I value our friendship," said Barrow.

The 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, “The Ready Team,” is an Army National Guard unit based in Houston, Texas. The brigade traces its lineage as far back as the Meuse-Argonne campaign of 1918, amphibious campaigns of the World War II, and in recent years a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• Date Taken: 04.15.2012
• Date Posted: 04.19.2012 13:59
• Story ID: 86985
• Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS, US