Photo By Staff Sgt. Tramel Garrett | Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat...... read more read more
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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, alongside family members, friends and distinguished guests welcomed Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Slover and bid farewell to Lt. Col. George L. Hammar IV during a change of command ceremony Jan. 8, here on Weyland Parade Field.
The 3-7th FA's history dates back to World War I and was originally constituted as the 7th Field Artillery Regiment and activated in July 1916 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Arriving in France with the 1st Division in 1917, the 7th Field Artillery fired the first American rounds of WWI.
The ceremony was about these two men, one relinquishing and one assuming, the single greatest responsibility that a nation can bestow on a citizen ... and that is the duty of a military commander.
Col. Scott Kelly, 3BCT commander said, “The title commander is not a name of honor. It is not a position of prestige; it is not to be viewed as some privilege, some reward, or some deserved merit.
“It is not a stepping-stone to promotion, nor the fulfillment of some ‘life-long’ dream. It is not an entitlement though it does come with entitlements. Commanders are entitled to work harder, grieve harder, to give more, worry more and sacrifice more of themselves and their families for the good of the unit than anyone else. And that is ALL that a commander is entitled to.”
Kelly stated that he has great confidence that Slover will do the same within the “Never Broken” battalion.
“Ken Slover has already earned himself a great reputation across the 25th by his work within Division Artillery. I am very excited to get to know him and his wife, Michelle, as they assume leadership for this battalion and become part of the Bronco team,” said Kelly.
“Thank you so much for all you do and for the continued support they provide. Without their love, tolerance and understanding I would not be here today,” Slover said to his family. “To my parents, it is with your inspiration that has made today possible for me. Thank you for sacrificing your Watertown, N.Y., winter to be here.”
Slover also thanked Hammar and his wife for their continued sponsorship, friendship and support during their transition to the island and into the Tropic Lightning family.
“Thank you for developing such a unit with the finest soldiers in the Army. Your leadership legacies will Never Be Broken,” said Slover.
“To the Soldiers of the Lucky 7th. You represent less than 2 percent of Americans that have volunteered for and continue to defend this great nation. It is with your selfless sacrifice and professional service that keep the American populace safe and able to enjoy the liberties of our constitution,” said Slover. “You are the very best of America’s sons and daughters, and I am honored to be able to serve with you.”
Before the ceremony, Hammar was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal by Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn, 25th ID commanding general. The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States armed forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
Kelly opened up with comments of thanking the Hammars for their tireless dedication to the “Never Broken” families and the division. “Lt. Col. Hammar, has been a tremendous commander. He has led this formation through some of the most unpredictable periods I’ve ever heard about in my time of service. This unit experienced significant mission changes on limited notice due to external factors.
“I believe these are the hardest conditions under which to command ... and George was exceptional.”
Upholding the rich history and traditions of the "Never Broken" battalion Hammar said, “It’s hard to believe that my two years as 'Never Broken Six' have come to an end. I look at this in bittersweet reflection.”
As he stood before his battalion, he took the time out to thank all that supported him through his tenure as their battalion commander.
“You are a great battalion because of your teamwork and discipline. I challenge you to maintain what you started these last two years. Be, know and do your job, never let the infantry wait on fires, never be satisfied with fair enough, always look and demand more and be at the point of friction making the adjustments needed to be the best and I know you will always succeed.”
During Hammar’s time, 3-7th FA has accomplished a lot. They were the first U.S. Army battery to go through the Jungle Operation Course since 1999.
They represented the division and our nation in Korea during Foal Eagle that included support to American, Korean and special operations Soldiers. In New Zealand and the Philippines they partnered with their counterparts firing hundreds more rounds and more importantly building lasting relationships across the Pacific.
Hammar went on to say, “Ken you will take this battalion to bigger and better heights, proving guidance and mentorship to the families and these Soldiers. These Soldiers are tough, their families tougher and they are ready to go shoot, move and communicate.”
In his closing remarks, Slover made it known how close he is to his parents and family, but among the most challenging endeavors and accomplishments in his military career, this was the first event since he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, that he has invited his parents to attend, and he hope that highlights how important of an undertaking this is for him.
“With that, I will execute this duty with that level of importance, candidness and dedication.”
| Date Taken: | 01.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.14.2015 18:10 |
| Story ID: | 151997 |
| Location: | SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 762 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 3-7th FA ‘Never Broken’ changes command, by SSG Catrina Herbert, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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