Black Jack Brigade welcomes six new battalion commanders

Photo By 1st Sgt. Justin A. Naylor | The battalions of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stand proudly as they await the beginning of the change of command ceremony held at Cooper Field, May 23, here.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

06.07.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hoover 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas — The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, “Black Jack,” 1st Cavalry Division, said farewell to six battalion commanders and welcomed six new commanders to the Black Jack Family during a change of command ceremony held May 23 at Cooper Field here.

“Although I am obviously and most certainly biased, I don’t know of a finer formation that’s graced Cooper Field than the Black Jack soldiers standing in front of you,” said Col. John Peeler, the commander of the 2nd BCT, to the crowd that gathered for the ceremony. “The men and women before you are the most professional, disciplined, and hardworking soldiers I have had the honor and privilege to work with in my 29 years of service.”

Peeler said he was continuously humbled to lead this team and was thankful each and every day he got to work with this group of men and women.

These commanders assumed command as a team, trained as a team and fought as a team, it is only fitting that they relinquish command as a team … they are truly a team among teams, said Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn, the commander of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Command changes were:

The 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, “Black Knights,” said farewell to Lt. Col. Chip Daniels and welcomed Lt. Col. Jason Joose.
The 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, “Mustangs,” said farewell to Lt. Col. Peter Sicoli and welcomed Lt. Col. Matt Kinkead.
The 4th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, “Dark Horse,” said farewell to Lt. Col. Paul Garcia and welcomed Lt. Col. Rob Smith.
The 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, “Red Dragons,” said farewell to Lt. Col. Nathan Cook and welcomed Lt. Col. Phil Brooks.

The 15th Brigade Support Battalion, “Gamblers,” said farewell to Lt. Col. Matthew Ruedi and welcomed Lt. Col. Jason McGuire.
The 2nd Special Troops Battalion, “Spartans,” said farewell to Lt. Col. Mark Davey and welcomed Lt. Col. Archie Herndon.

Allyn said the days and weeks preceding changes of command are traditionally accompanied by a mix of anxiety and gratitude, but a calm confidence and determination permeates this exceptional brigade combat team.

As we turn the page on one amazing chapter, we begin another intent on rebuilding our physical, mental and emotional bank accounts and turn our focus on what the future holds for this lethal, trained and ready heavy brigade combat team, said Peeler.

“I am confident our new leadership will continue to push their respective formations to extremely high levels and maintain the outstanding reputation that has been forged and proven in combat since 1917,” said Peeler.

• Date Taken: 06.07.2012
• Date Posted: 06.07.2012 11:37
• Story ID: 89583
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US