Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Brig. Gen. David E. Elwell, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding...... read more read more
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LAS VEGAS – Col. Toni Alecia Glover, a Houston, Texas, resident, assumed command of the 650th Regional Support Group June 28, in a change of command ceremony at the Floyd Edsall Readiness Center in Las Vegas, where Brig. Gen. David E. Elwell, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding general, was present to transfer the unit colors to Glover from Col. Amy M. Taitano, who has led the brigade for two years.
Glover is a former ROTC Scholarship recipient who received her commission as a second lieutenant in April 1989 from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. She has served in a variety of staff positions at battalion, brigade, and division level to include Program Manager Equal Opportunity and Command Inspector General. While at the 75th Training Command, Glover served as an executive agent for Mission Command and Staff Training and Live-Virtual-Constructive-Gaming Integrated Training before being selected as a brigade commander.
Las Vegas is one hot venue. Because it was one of the hottest days of the year, 112 degrees, the ceremony was held at the Nevada Army National Guard – Clark County Armory in an air-condition drill hall, where the 650th RSG down trace battalions stood in formation.
The ceremony began with the traditional ceremonial pageantry. The standing units were summoned to order arms. The audience stood for the Presentation of the Colors and Honors, and the units were brought to present arms, then to parade rest. These displays of uniformity were executed with discipline and precision.
Taitano was very successful during her command, bringing the unit’s accomplishments up to standard. She thanked all the Soldiers who helped her saying, “There are too many people to thank, but I couldn’t have done it without you.” She added, “I will always be there for you because you will always be part of my Army family.”
Glover was enthusiastic and energized as she accepted the 650th RSG command. She thanked the Soldiers and distinguished visitors for their presence. “I am honored to be your new commander,” said Glover. “The responsibility and trust given to an officer and noncommissioned officer is sacred and the privilege of leading.”
In the center of the drill hall, the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit took place. Command Sgt. Maj. Mario Canizales, who is the keeper of the colors, passed the colors to Col. Taitano, representing the outgoing commander. She then passed the colors to Brig. Gen. Elwell who was the representative of the higher command, symbolizing the relinquishment of her command. The higher commander then delivered the colors to Col. Glover. Finally, the new commander passed the colors back to the command sergeant major, who is charged with protecting it.
During Elwell’s remarks, he thanked the Army families saying, “Without you and your support we could not do our job; it is your strength that counts.” The general also commented on the make-up of the 650th RSG. “When I look at the diversity of the 650th and the U.S. Army, it makes me feel proud. Diversity makes the U.S. Army stronger and the model for armies all around the world.”
Maj. Gen. Megan P. Tatu, 79th Sustainment Support Command commanding general, located at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California and Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Copeland, 79th SSC command sergeant major, were special guests in attendance.
The 650th RSG was constituted in the Army Reserve in 1998 at Salt Lake, Utah. The unit was reassigned to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2007. In August 2010 the unit deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2011, the 650th RSG was realigned under the 311th Sustainment Command and took control of three battalions: 314th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 469th CSSB and the 483rd Transportation Battalion. Its area of operation spans over three states, including California, Nevada and Arizona.
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.29.2015 18:26 |
| Story ID: | 168543 |
| Location: | LAS VEGAS, NV, US |
| Hometown: | HOUSTON, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 432 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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