Stefula takes command of of 450th Civil Affairs Battalion

Photo By Staff Sgt. Erick Yates | Col. William B. Mason, III, left, commander of the 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, passes the colors to Lt. Col. John E. Stefula, incoming commander of the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion during a change of command ceremony at Prince George's County Memorial U.S. Army Reserve Center in Riverdale, Md., Nov. 7. Stefula replaces outgoing 450th commander Lt. Col John P. Lawlor.  

RIVERDALE PARK, MD, UNITED STATES

11.07.2010

Story by Sgt. Erick Yates 

352nd Civil Affairs Command

RIVERDALE PARK, Md. - The 450th Civil Affairs Battalion gathered for a change of command ceremony Nov. 7 at the Prince George’s County Memorial U.S Army Reserve Center.

Lt. Col . John E. Stefula took command from Lt. Col. John P. Lawlor. Stefula previously served as the assistant chief of staff for human resources for the 352nd Civil Affairs Command from October 2008 to October 2010. He said the impact of his new position dawned on him during the ceremony.

“It was during my speech that the realization of my new transition hit me,” Stefula said. “Moving forward, it’s all about preparing the way for the soldiers of this unit.”

Lawlor, who commanded the 450th for three years, is awaiting promotion to colonel and will receive his next assignment following that. He said he was proud of the unit’s accomplishments while he was in command.

“It was a pleasure to work among the outstanding soldiers of this unit and see be a part of all that’s been accomplished ,” Lawlor said.

• Date Taken: 11.07.2010
• Date Posted: 11.07.2010 17:48
• Story ID: 59617
• Location: RIVERDALE PARK, MD, US