‘Wranglers’ welcome new commander
Lt. Col. David Bedard addresses Soldiers from the 15th Special Troops Battalion during an Aug. 17 change of command on Noel Field here. Photo by Sgt. Erik Thurman, 15th Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs.
Sgt. Erik Thurman,
15th Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs:
Soldiers from the 15th Sustainment Brigade’s 15th Special Troops Battalion, “Wranglers,” said goodbye to their commander during an Aug. 17 change of command ceremony on Noel Field here.
“Although I am looking forward to what’s next in my career, I am truly sad to be leaving the battalion,” said Lt. Col. Latonya Wilson, the outgoing commander. “I am well aware of the gift that was given to me almost two years ago.”
Before the ceremony, Wilson ordered her Soldiers to fall out of their traditional formation to crowd around her so she could address them more personally. She cited the unit’s achievements and milestones and thanked them for the dedication she felt they showed her throughout her time as battalion commander.
After the Soldiers reformed, the ceremony began with Wilson escorting Lt. Col. David Bedard, incoming 15th STB commander, around the formation to review the troops.
They returned to the front of the formation and joined a detachment where they were met by Col. James Ryan, brigade commander. Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Loneal Blevins then took the unit’s colors from the detachment before turning back to face the three leaders. He stepped off with one foot and placed the colors firmly in the grasp of Wilson. Wilson passed the colors to Ryan, relinquishing her command. Ryan then passed the colors to Bedard who eagerly grasped it in his hands, officially giving him command of the unit. Bedard then returned them to Blevins.
“I am deeply honored to lead and serve this group of Army professionals,” said Bedard. “[I am] committed to building a cohesive team through mutual trust as we face future challenges and opportunities.”
The ceremony ended with Ryan thanking Wilson for her contributions to the unit and publically welcoming Bedard to the unit.
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