Pineville resident takes command of deployed Guard unit

Photo By Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang | Christian T. Griffiths passes the Headquarters and Headquarters Company colors to 199th Brigade Support Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Mark Kelly, symbolizing his relinquishment of command over the company, during a formal ceremony held at Camp Liberty in Iraq, where HHC, 199th is currently conducting force protection. Pineville, La., resident, 1st Lt. Nicole Campbell, assumed command from Griffiths, of Dry Prong, La., when he received a promotion to the rank of major, and was reassigned to work in the International Zone as a resource manager. The 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team mobilized in January and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to help set the conditions for the responsible draw down of U. S. Armed Forces in Iraq.  

CAMP VICTORY, IRAQ

06.05.2010

Story by Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang 

256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana Army National Guard

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Christian T. Griffiths, New Orleans native, bid a final farewell to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 199th Brigade Support Battalion, as he was promoted to major and reassigned during a formal ceremony at Camp Liberty, Iraq.

The commander of the company for more than two years, Griffiths relinquished authority to 1st Lt. Nicole M. Campbell, of Pineville, La.

Before passing the colors to Campbell, which symbolizes the passing of responsibility as a commander, Griffiths thanked his troops for their hard work and dedication during his tenure.

"It has been quite an opportunity to have led you as company commander for the past two years … an opportunity that gives me great pride and satisfaction to see how, together, we have put all these key building-blocks in place," said Griffiths, who has accepted a new mission at the International Zone near downtown Baghdad.

"I have been inspired, and encouraged by so many outstanding and dedicated leaders within this company, always dreaming, always doing, always striving and always committed to being the very best."

"First Lieutenant Campbell," Griffiths said as he raised his hand to present his troops to her, "my very best."

A Dry Prong, La., resident, Griffiths assumed command in 2008, during a very pivotal time in the unit's history, according to Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Marc Kelly of Deville, La.

"We were not too far removed from the deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom III, and were already discussing the training for deployment in support of Iraq again," Kelly said.

He explained that the state was still attempting to recover from the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the tumultuous times which followed those catastrophic events. He continued by explaining that retention of Soldiers in the brigade was very tough.

"Christian and his team brought a fresh, new outlook to the unit, and immediately his positive effects were evident," Kelly explained. "Soldiers began to reenlist. They began to want to train on the hard tasks, and the esprit de corps in the unit moved to an all-time high."

Kelly acknowledged Griffiths' accomplishments and remarked, "The 199th BSB owes a debt of gratitude to you, your officers, noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers for their outstanding performance of duty."

He then addressed the new commander, "Lt. Campbell, welcome to the best assignment you will ever receive."

"Soldiers," Kelly said to her new company, "she is no stranger to hard work. She has excelled in every task she has been given. Her tenacity and drive for mission accomplishment, coupled with her love of Soldiers is what helped make the decision of choosing her as your new commander."

"She is the perfect officer for this assignment during a very difficult and important mission," Kelly added.

The incoming commander began her military career in 1997, when she enlisted into the active-duty Army. In 2005, she enlisted into the Louisiana Army National Guard, and earned her commission in 2007 as a second lieutenant through the Officer Candidate School in Ball, La.

"Since the day I accepted a commission, my goal was to eventually command this very company," Campbell said as she thanked the command group for their mentorship.

"It has been a pleasure to work alongside you for the past couple of years," she addressed her company. "To now have the opportunity to serve as your commander means more to me than I can ever express. I look forward to the upcoming challenges we will overcome together."

The mother of two, Synciere, 8, and Aleianna, 7, Campbell will soon earn her bachelor's degree in psychology from Northwestern State University.

Campbell has served in a variety of positions, including her most recent as the director of information management for the Garrison Command on the Victory Base Complex in Iraq, before being selected to take on the mission as a company commander.

"Iraq will test the mettle of the most seasoned leaders and I assure you will be tested, lieutenant," Kelly stressed. "Remember the core values that you've displayed leading up to this day. Rely on your first sergeant, empower your NCO's, lead your Soldiers by example, and you will excel," he encouraged.

The Alexandria, La., company, as part of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to conduct force protection to set the conditions for the responsible draw down of U.S. Troops and equipment. Mobilized Jan. 5, the Tiger Brigade is expected to return to Louisiana around the end of the year.

• Date Taken: 06.05.2010
• Date Posted: 06.05.2010 14:39
• Story ID: 50925
• Location: CAMP VICTORY, IQ