‘Renegade’ welcomes new commander

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Sias | Lt. Col. Thomas B. Kokes, left, commander, 1st Battalion, 361st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, “Renegade,” receives the battalion colors from Col. Eric O. Schacht, commander, 5th Armored Brigade, during a change of command ceremony held at the Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums, June 8.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

06.08.2011

Story by Spc. kris maxfield 

5th Armored Brigade

By Spc. Kristopher Maxfield

FORT BLISS, Texas - The soldiers and families of 1st Bn., 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regt., “Renegade”, 5th Armored Brigade are now in new hands after the unit held a change of command ceremony here June 8 at the Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums.

After two years as the “Renegade” commander, Lt. Col. Aaron J. Roth handed over the reins of command to incoming commander, Lt. Col. Thomas Kokes.

Col. Eric O. Schacht, commander, 5th Armored Brigade, presided over the ceremony. Schacht first remarked on Roth’s achievements and his success in driving the unit’s growth.

“Aaron’s tenure as the leader of the “Renegade” battalion resulted in the training and validation of more than 1,800 joint war fighters, with more than 1000 involved in the homeland defense mission, and the remaining 800 involved in defending critical assets in the U.S. [Central Command] Area of Responsibility. Of historical significance, the team he led, trained and validated the first National Guard [Counter-Rocket Artillery and Mortar] Battalion,” said Schacht.

After Schacht stepped away from the podium, Roth spoke at length to the “Renegade” soldiers, weaving in his singular sense of humor.

“You “Renegades” have left an impression on me with your jocular banter, your keen eye for a slip up, or a poor word choice in a public setting [and] have taught me to be cautious … !” said Roth.

Roth completed his remarks with a more serious bent, delivered recognition and bade a heartfelt farewell.

“To the backbone of the Army, the spine of the “Renegades,” I thank you .... It has been my honor to serve with the absolute best observer controller/trainers in the brigade and Division West during these last two years,” added Roth. “Of course I am speaking of the non-commissioned officers who made our numerous missions happen.”

Roth moves on to a new assignment at the 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th ADA Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas, where he will take on yet another battalion command.

Kokes, the incoming commander, gained experience as a member of the U.S. Joint Forces Command’s Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

He concluded the ceremony by acknowledging the achievements and efforts of Roth and “Renegade” soldiers. He then transitioned into highlighting the importance of the mission he would assume at the helm of his new command.

“’Renegades’ – together we will continue to build on to this great and professional glide path of excellence that has been established. I look forward to improving our foxhole with you,” said Kokes.

• Date Taken: 06.08.2011
• Date Posted: 06.23.2011 11:24
• Story ID: 72600
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US