FORT HOOD, Texas — The 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West conducted a change of command and change of responsibility ceremony at Cameron Field here, Monday.
Maj. Gen. Warren E. Phipps Jr., DIVWEST commander, praised Col. Kevin A. Vizzarri and Command Sgt. Maj. Glen Vela for their hard work and dedicated leadership during their time as the 166th’s command team.
“We cannot shy away from change, therefore we embrace it,” said Phipps. “The 166th has been an exemplary standout in our organization.”
The 166th “Grey Wings” is responsible for the training and certification of Reserve aviation units before deploying.
Incoming Commander Col. Christopher E. Albus thanked Vizzarri for continuing the legacy of the 166th, and promised to remain building on it. Albus comes to the 166th after serving as director of the Aviation Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command on West Fort Hood, Texas.
Vizzarri thanked the “Grey Wing” officers and Soldiers for the brigade’s continued success and for accomplishing their many difficult missions.
He said the secret to success of any leader is to surround themselves with exceptional people, and the people in his command had definitely been very exceptional.
Vizzarri said he could never have accomplished his mission had it not been for his wife, Dominika, and sons Luca and Domenic.
Echoing Vizzarri’s sentiments, Vela thanked his wife and high school sweet heart, Kathy, for being his strength and constant companion throughout his tenure here, as well as into the future.
In his parting address, Vela charged incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Scott A. Bailey to take care of the 166th's Soldiers.
“Take care of these outstanding warriors, and they will take care of you,” said Vela.
He also reminded the Soldiers that even though they were here, their brothers and sisters in arms were putting their lives on the line in defense of the United States.
“Let us not forget that we have friends taking the fight to the enemy, so remember them,” Vela said.