‘Pathfinders’ get new commander
The commander of troops for 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, change of command renders a salute to Col. Terry P. Cook, brigade commander, June 13 on Highlander Field at East Fort Bliss. Photo by Staff Sgt. Mike C. Norris, 4th BCT, 1st AD Public Affairs.
Staff Sgt. Mike C. Norris,
4th BCT, 1st AD Public Affairs:
The 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, welcomed a new battalion commander during the unit’s change of command ceremony June 13 on Highlander Parade Field at East Fort Bliss.
Taking command of the “Pathfinders” was Lt. Col. Tony Crawford.
Lt. Col. Thomas R. Bolen, outgoing battalion commander, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during a ceremony before the change of command. Bolen’s wife Laura was also recognized for her contributions to the battalion.
Bolen commanded the battalion during their most recent deployment to Iraq where his battalion was instrumental in the transfer of Combat Operating Site Marez in Mosul, Iraq, to the Iraqi military and Iraqi government partners.
“The ‘Pathfinders,’ under Tom’s key leadership, can and have done it all,” said Col. Terry P. Cook, 4th BCT commander. “The battalion has been blessed to have an officer the caliber of Tom Bolen.”
Bolen’s next assignment will be at Fort Campbell, Ky., with the 101st Airborne Division.
“As always, I’m proud of you,” said Bolen to the Soldiers of the “Pathfinder” Battalion. “You made this dream job more than I could have ever hoped for.”
Crawford, the incoming commander, has most recently served as the civil support plans officer for U.S. Army North at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He will soon deploy to Afghanistan to lead Security Forces Assistance Teams.
“Sir, as your BCT’s only all-weather, 24-hour fire support option, when you call on us you will hear no excuses from the Pathfinders,” said Crawford.
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