TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Two tanks blocked the road with barrels crossed, a statement to Combat Center personnel that 1st Tank Battalion had an announcement to make.
Lt. Col. Gregory T. Poland received command of 1st Tanks from Lt. Col. Timothy E. Barrick June 30 during a change of command ceremony at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field.
Poland has been awarded the bronze star, meritorious service medal and a number of other awards and citations. He has served in Operation Enduring Freedom as well as serving multiple tours in Iraq.
Barrick and Poland stepped in front of the formation of tankers on the field. There, the commanders exchanged the Marine Corps flag, symbolic of the exchange of authority of the battalion.
“This parade is not just about the change of command. It is also about what these Marines and sailors have accomplished have done since the last time they took the parade deck two years ago. And these Marines have done a lot,” Barrick said. “I am extremely proud of their accomplishments.”
Unfortunately not all of 1st Tanks was able to make it to the ceremony. Company A is forward deployed and will welcome their new commanding officer upon their return.
“I look forward to working with all these Marines for the next two years,” Poland said . “Providing for our commanding general the best tank battalion he could ever need.”