Photo By Lt. Col. Matt Murphy | Lt. Col. Robert Kimberlin stands with his family after a change command ceremony. The...... read more read more
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PHOENIX - Usually, when a soldier is “recycled,” it is not a good thing, but the 215th Regiment Regional Training Institute at Papago Military Reservation is getting one of it’s own back – 20 years later as their commander.
While change of command ceremonies are a common occurrence in the Arizona Army National Guard, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Lt. Col. Robert Kimberlin to lead the RTI.
“I graduated from the RTI in 1993 and received my commission,” Kimberlin said. “If I could have any command of my choice, this would be the one.”
Kimberlin said he looks forward to working with the cadre and staff to take advantage of new technologies and modernize training as they engage with a legacy of future leaders at the RTI.
Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Zoe Ollinger also celebrates her 20 year commissioning anniversary, although not from the RTI, and is feeling bitter-sweet about leaving after more than two years.
“I’ve enjoyed watching so many of these men and women get their commission. I’ve been there from day one of their interview to 18 months later when they graduate,” Ollinger said.
Describing her time at the RTI as a rewarding experience, Ollinger recently lead the organization through a re-accreditation where the RTI received the highest rating of Institute of Excellence.
For the incoming commander, Ollinger added, “Lt. Col. Kimberlin is a lucky man. He will have a great time leading the most rewarding battalion.”
In addition, the Officer Candidate School also received a new commander. Maj. Scott Hier replaces outgoing commander Maj. Peggy Grunewald.
In her farewell remarks, Grunewald shared this quote from John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” She encouraged and reminded the present Officer Candidates, “you are required to think not just about yourself, but about the soldiers whose eyes are focused on you and every move you make.”
The current Officer Candidate classes, and friends and family of the new and outgoing commanders, were in attendance the ceremony, as well as members of the Cadre and senior leaders from the Army National Guard.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.10.2013 16:14 |
| Story ID: | 108411 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 761 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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