Photo By Staff Sgt. Aidana Baez | Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, welcome a new commander, Lt....... read more read more
MIAMI – Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment welcomed a new commander, Lt. Col. Julio Acosta, during a ceremony at the Robert A. Ballard Armory, June 6.
Col. Raphael Ribas, commander, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said he gives Acosta command of 1-124th because he knows his capabilities, knows he is the right man for the job and this is the right time for him to command.
1-124th is scheduled to deploy next year to the Horn of Africa to assume security operations.
“Thank you for placing your confidence in me to lead the Soldiers of the Hurricane Battalion,” said Acosta during the ceremony. “Especially now, as we prepare to embark on yet another chapter in the long and decorated history of this organization.”
“Our nation has called again,” said Ribas as he addressed the Soldiers of 1-124th during the ceremony. “There was no doubt in my mind that you will step up to the next challenge.”
Acosta said he is thankful for the opportunity to mentor young Soldiers and help develop them into, not just warriors, but more productive members of society.
During the ceremony, Acosta also addressed of his longtime mentor.
“Lt. Col. Yaegers, you have been a mentor of mine for many years,” said Acosta. “I could not be more proud to have the opportunity to follow in your footsteps.”
Lt. Col David Yaegers Jr., the outgoing commander, has commanded 1-124th since Oct. 1, 2011.
Yaegers said his time as the commander was a very humbling experience and remains awestruck at the capacity of the battalion and the Soldiers’ ability to accomplish any mission regardless of the obstacles placed before them.
“I cannot describe in words the sense of pride that comes with being placed in charge of one of the most decorated battalions in the Florida Army National Guard,” said Acosta. “I take the charter placed upon me very seriously and continue to build on the long and rich tradition of the battalion.”
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2015 19:02 |
| Story ID: | 165801 |
| Location: | MIAMI, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 545 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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