A change of command

Photo By Lt. Col. Patty Brewer | New HHC Commander, Maj. Matthew Daly, stands before the unit for the first time.  

FORT MEADE, MD, UNITED STATES

06.29.2014

Story by Lt. Col. Patty Brewer 

352nd Civil Affairs Command

FORT MEADE, Md. — The guidon for a Fort Meade, Maryland, civil affairs unit were handed to a new commander at a change-of-command ceremony held here June 29 at the Capt. John E. Smathers U.S. Army Reserve Center.

Maj. Matthew Daly exchanged the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 352nd Civil Affairs Command guidon with outgoing commander Maj. Brandon Mills. In a ceremony attended by friends and family, both incoming and outgoing commanders shared highlights brought on by the occasion. Also in attendance was Brig. Gen. Alan L. Stolte, commanding general of the 352ndCACOM.

Stolte began his remarks with a favorable overview of Mills’ accomplishments as HHC commander. Stolte also welcomed Daly, sharing with the audience that the HHC is transitioning into capable hands.

“I’d like to thank Brig. Gen. Stolte for the opportunity to take command of the HHC,” Daly said. Daly further remarked that his main challenge will be navigating the transitional issues after the Iraq and Afghanistan drawdowns. He thanked those in attendance, especially his mother Kathleen Daly, and his sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Ben Van Oot for their constant support.

After receiving his commission in 2000 from the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Daly held positions as an armor platoon leader, company executive officer, civil affairs team chief, company commander and, most recently, chief of operations of the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion. During 14 years of military service, Daly has deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Daly successfully completed the Armor Officers Basic Course, Psychological Operations Officers Qualification Course, the Civil Affairs Officer Qualification Course, and the resident Command and General Staff Officer Course with the Joint Planner Additional Skill Identifier.

After the ceremony, Daly’s family shared how proud they are of Daly’s accomplishments, as a son and brother.

As Mills gave his final remarks, he thanked the many people on the staff who continuously worked in support of HHC’s Soldiers.

“Every day was an adventure,” said Mills as he prepared to depart the HHC with his family.

• Date Taken: 06.29.2014
• Date Posted: 07.28.2014 17:16
• Story ID: 137541
• Location: FORT MEADE, MD, US