Photo By Spc. Shameka Edwards | Brig. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, commanding general, 20th Support Command, Chemical,...... read more read more
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Col. Patrick Kelly relinquished command of the 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) to Col. Leo Bradley during a change of command ceremony at Manhart Field July 15.
Brig. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, commanding general, 20th Support Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosives) served as the reviewing officer of the ceremony.
Smith praised Kelly for a job well-done while in his role as the 71st EOD commander and for accomplishing the mission as commander of Joint Task Force Troy during the unit’s 12-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Kelly leaves the EOD unit in the capable hands of Bradley, who not only understands explosive ordnance disposal operations, but everything it takes to prepare Soldiers and families to make it through a deployment, said Smith.
“The Army and I have every faith and confidence in Leo’s ability and charge him to take this command and the families they represent to the next level.”
During his farewell to the soldiers and leaders of the 71st EOD, Kelly thanked all who helped to make the mission a success.
“Our Army is blessed with selfless and gifted men and women who advance to the call of duty at great sacrifice and risk,” Kelly said. “I cannot be prouder of the men and women of the 71st EOD and the sacrifices that they and their Families have made.”
Bidding farewell to the Soldiers he once commanded, Kelly welcomed the new commander and affirmed his confidence in Bradley as a leader.
“I wish my friends, Col. Leo Bradley and (his wife) Alexandra, the best,” Kelly said. “Leo, you take charge of the 71st EOD at a critical time in our nation’s history, and we are all humbled by your commitment to serve, and pray for your overwhelming success.”
Bradley also thanked the families and friends of the 71st EOD in attendance for their dedication to the mission.
“While I could not be happier to assume command of this exceptional unit, I am also aware of the responsibility that comes with these colors,” Bradley told the Soldiers before him.
“The responsibility for America’s most precious resource, the lives of your sons and daughters; with the help of God, family, peers and mentors, I strive to be worthy of this honor; with distinction and valor.”
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2010 13:31 |
| Story ID: | 53638 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 289 |
| Downloads: | 82 |
This work, Bradley takes helm of 71st EOD, by SPC Shameka Edwards, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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