Photo By Tarah Jackson | Col. Steven M. Merkel, incoming commander of the 205th Infantry Brigade, greets the...... read more read more
By: T.D. Jackson
Camp Atterbury Public Affairs
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – Col. Steven M. Merkel, an Indiana native, took command of the 205th Infantry Brigade Friday in a change of command ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial.
"What a day!" Merkel said during his remarks at the ceremony. "Blue skies, sunshine, and a brigade of America's finest in front of us ..."
After thanking everyone for attending the ceremony, Merkel said he considered it a privilege to serve our nation and to lead America's sons and daughters in protecting the country's way of life.
"It's hard for me to adequately articulate just how happy I am and how humbling it is to join your team," he said.
Merkel succeeded Col. Christopher M. Holden, who is retiring after 25 years of military service.
Merkel's first assignment was with the 26th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment, Paderborn, Germany, where he served as a platoon leader in support of the 1st British Corps.
Some of his more recent assignments include commanding the 1-9 Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., and a subsequent deployment in 2005 to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom III.
He later was assigned as the regimental tactical officer, 3rd Regiment, United States Corps of Cadets, West Point, N.Y., from June 2006 to July 2007.
His military education includes graduation from the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced courses, Command and General Staff College, the School of Advanced Military Studies, the Joint Professional Military Education Course, and the French Linguist Course, Presidio of Monterey, Calif. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Military Science from the Army Command and General Staff College, and a Master of Sciences in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Merkel has earned many awards and decorations throughout his military career to include the Bronze Star and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Merkel is married to the former Christine Payne of Ross-on-Wye, England, and they have one son, Alastair, 16, and one daughter, Tiffany, 14.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2008 15:51 |
| Story ID: | 21629 |
| Location: | CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 439 |
| Downloads: | 40 |
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