Photo By Spc. Anthony Zane | Soldiers from the 368th Engineer Battalion salute during a change of command ceremony,...... read more read more
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U.S. ARMED FORCES RESERVE CENTER, Londonderry, N.H. — The leadership of the 368th Engineer Battalion officially transferred command during a ceremony June 9, on the lawn of the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Londonderry, N.H.
The passing of the battalion colors to Lt. Col. Kenneth Jennings from Lt. Col. Gregory Scott was celebrated with the battalion’s eight companies of soldiers, civilian officials and families in attendance.
Opening remarks by Lt. Col. Philmore Williams, deputy commander of the 302nd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, announced the change of command and made comments on behalf of the Brig. Gen. James T. Williams, the brigade commander:
“You can find excellence in the smallest part of the world,” said Williams, “Certainly; I know you can find it here within the 368th Engineer Battalion.”
Filled with gratitude, in his farewell address to the battalion, Lt. Col. Scott gave an emotional account highlighting some of the major milestones in his tenure with the 368th.
“I am proud of the battalion’s accomplishments in the past 24 months,” said Scott. “Commanding this battalion has required me to make a lot of tough decisions. I want you to know that those decisions were made not for popularity or personal benefit, but for the missions, the command’s unity and the safety of our soldiers.”
Scott, who commanded the 368th Engineer Battalion during their recent deployment to Afghanistan, expressed his pride in the conduct of the battalion during their recent tour.
“I am proudest of our battalion’s accomplishment that ‘we’ brought all of our soldiers back from combat in Afghanistan,” said Scott. “To have spouses, mothers, fathers and children thank me at our redeployment ceremony gave me an overwhelming level of emotions.”
Scott and his family will move to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., where he will be the Distance Education Manager for the Army Intermediate Education Course.
Lt. Col. Kenneth Jennings followed Scott with his introduction to Soldiers, peers and families.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to command this great battalion,” said Jennings. “Together we will work to keep it the best engineer battalion the U.S. Army Reserve has to offer.”
An engineer his entire military career, Jennings comes to the 368th from Edmond, Okla., where he was a professor of military science at the University of Central Oklahoma.
“As a private, 25 years ago, I would have never thought that I would be a battalion commander,” said Jennings. “I am very proud to be the commander of the 368th – and a little nervous because it’s a huge responsibility. I am excited to do the job right for the soldiers.”
At his desk, Jennings already displays the image of someone in full swing of command.
“A battalion is ever evolving,” said Jennings. “My job is to keep us moving forward at all costs. It’s keeping everyone engaged and trained.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2012 16:29 |
| Story ID: | 90558 |
| Location: | LONDONDERRY, NH, US |
| Hometown: | EDMOND, OK, US |
| Hometown: | LEAVENWORTH, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 731 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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