FORT STEWART, Ga.--Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield-based soldiers with the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, are now serving under a new commander. Their former leader, Col. Ron Novack relinquished his position to Col. Tony Coston during a ceremony held Nov. 1 on Stewart’s Cottrell Field.
Coston, whose previous assignment was at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., served alongside his predecessor in 1994.
“We’ve known each other for many years, and I’m delighted to be able to follow you,” the incoming brigade commander told Novack during the ceremony. “I’m very proud to join the ‘Provider’ team. I look forward to continuing the outstanding reputation that you’ve forged.”
During Novack’s 26-months in command, many of the ‘Providers’ deployed in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. He led his Headquarters element through one such deployment—a nine month tour to Kandahar, Afghanistan, spearheading logistical support to the war fighters throughout the country’s southern and western regions.
“What I look back on the most is just the accomplishments of the brigade and what our Soldiers have done,” said Novack. “This brigade has been very, very busy over the course of the last two years, answering our Nation’s call… and this brigade has done this extremely well.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the 3rd Sustainment Brigade,” he added. “I’m very thankful that the Army looks to the 3rd Sustainment Brigade to assist in missions, and our Soldiers continue to do a phenomenal job.”
Maj. Gen. John Murray, 3rd Inf. Div. commander who presided over the ceremony, said he too was pleased with the 3rd Sustainment Brigade’s accomplishments under Novack’s leadership.
“(Novack) can walk off the field today knowing that he has made his mark—contributing immensely to the accomplishments and reputations of not only this brigade but also making significant contributions to the people of Afghanistan, the future of that country and the Marne Division,” Murray said.
Murray added that Novack was well respected by his soldiers and leaders.
“He personally took time out of a very busy schedule to talk with soldiers on a daily basis,” said Murray. “He provided clear guidance and intent… he cared deeply for each and every one of his soldiers and families. Soldiers looked up to his professional demeanor and relied heavily on his leadership.”
For this leadership, Novack was awarded with the Legion of Merit. He said that his time stationed at Fort Stewart included being a part of a “close-knit community” who welcomed his family with “southern hospitality.”
Novack will move on to Fort Lee, Va., where he will serve as the deputy commander for Capabilities, Development and Integration for the Combined Arms Support Command.
“(Coston) is the exact right leader to command this brigade and take it to the next level,” said Novack after he passed on the brigade colors, officially marking his status mission-complete.
Murray agreed and said he looks forward to working with the new ‘Provider-6.’ The general described both the incoming and outgoing colonels as ‘competent, capable, caring, compassionate and dedicated leaders.’
“This is not a beginning, this is not an end—simply a transition between two fantastic Army leaders,” said Murray.