EASTOVER, S.C. – Col. Waymon Storey, commander 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, transferred command of the 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery from Lt. Col. Edward McInnis to Lt. Col. Allen McLeod during a ceremony held at McCrady Training Center, Jan. 21, 2012.

Under McInnis’ command, the 1st Bn., 178th FA trained and prepared to for a variety of missions. Recently, the battalion returned from a deployment to Afghanistan, where they successfully maintained safety and stability as part of the security force.

Although the troops of the 178th train as a field artillery battalion, with the continuing threats and an ever-changing world, soldiers must be ready to face any challenge and complete any task. While they don’t normally train to conduct security as a field artillery battalion, they completed their duty and returned home without a single loss of life.

“When given this mission,” said Storey, “Col. McInnis said, ‘Sir, we’ve got it,’ not, ‘this is not what we do.’”

During the ceremony, McInnis was awarded the Meritorious Service medal for his outstanding performance as commander of the 178th FA. As he spoke to the soldiers in formation, McInnis said the battalion’s success did not belong to just him.

“Our success has been a team effort,” said McInnis. “You have epitomized the battalion motto, ‘True and Tried.’ Serving with the Swamp Foxes has been the highlight of my career.”

Now that the unit is back at its home station, McLeod said they could look forward to some exciting training. At the end of each drill weekend, soldiers should feel like they have accomplished a great deal, McLeod added.

“I look forward to our time together,” said McLeod. “And I know it will be productive. The future is exciting.”