FORT HOOD, Texas - The 48th Chemical Brigade Spartans conducted a change of command and responsibility ceremony at III Corps headquarters on Fort Hood, June 10.

In the traditional ceremony of passing the guidon, Col. Eric W. Brigham relinquished command to Col. Maria Zumwalt, and Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Moten passed responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth M. Graham.

As Graham took charge of the brigade’s formation of his new unit, members of both the outgoing and incoming command teams took a turn at the microphone.

Brigham talked of his soldiers’ adaptability and a job well-done.
“We have trained all over the place,” Brigham said. “We had people from Korea to Kuwait to Iraq to Afghanistan, and we never stopped moving. It was exciting, and I am going to miss it.”

Brigham will next serve with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization in Washington, D.C., but for him it won’t be easy leaving the 48th Chemical Brigade.

“It’s all bittersweet,” Brigham said. “It’s time for a new group of people to take the helm. It was wonderful just being part of such an interesting, diverse and complicated organization.”

Moten, now retiring, spoke next and reflected on his 30 years of serving the Army.

“The American soldier is the greatest thing in the world,” he said.
He believes that the Army made him into the man he is today.
“I think I’m trained,” Moten said with a smile.

As the Spartans’ new commander, Zumwalt recognized their achievements and sees her new assignment as “a great opportunity.”

“These soldiers carry a distinguished reputation,” she said. “They are experts in their field, they are flexible and adaptable, and they are part of a legacy that fully understands the responsibility we have to our nation.”

She looks forward to serving these soldiers and their families.

“Any time you get a chance to be with soldiers, it’s just the best thing you can do in the Army,” she said. “For me, to do it one more time at a brigade level, it’s just absolutely extraordinary.”

Brig. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, 20th Support Command commander, also recognized the efforts of the outgoing command team.

“These accolades, these victories, do not just happen,” he said. “It’s because of the professionalism, dedication and drive of Col. Brigham and his right-hand man, Command Sgt. Maj. Don Moten.”

Smith knows the incoming command team is ready to take the Spartans to the next level.

“When you lose one rock star, it’s difficult to replace that with another rock star,” Smith said. “But, ladies and gentlemen, Maria Zumwalt and the Zumwalt team are rock stars.”

Whether or not she feels like a rock star, Zumwalt is ready for her mission with the troops of the 48th Chemical Brigade.

“Spartans, I’m proud to join your ranks,” she said. “Today, our journey begins.”