Photo By Sgt. Jonathan Thibault | Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, middle, commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson,...... read more read more
FORT CARSON, Colo. - An era of honor and heroism did not end with the outgoing commander relinquishing command at a change of command ceremony July 10. Instead it signified the continuation of a legacy that serves the Front Range community, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson and the U.S. Army.
During the ceremony, Col. Robert T. Ault, outgoing commander, relinquished command of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., to Col. Lori L. Robinson, incoming commander, at Founders Field.
"Although the passing of colors that just occurred mark the normal and anticipated change of leadership of an organization, this ceremony also serves as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the incredible contributions and accomplishments of its Soldiers," said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson.
Gonsalves said that since July 2013 the 4th CAB has maintained that high operational tempo reputation and wasted absolutely zero time in building itself from the ground up, while concurrently executing operational missions.
"In the short span of the last two years, this brigade has received, trained and cared for over 3,500 new Soldiers; completed over 18,333 flight hours; and gave support to the Colorado National Guard during the Black Forest Fire and Boulder flooding operations which led to the safe rescue of 1,028 personnel," said Gonsalves. "Eighty CAB Soldiers, officers and noncommissioned officers were awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for their service in support of the Front Range community."
Ault said the leaders and Soldiers he commanded for the last two years had more combat power and capability than in an aircraft carrier during World War II.
"These Soldiers and the combat power that they represent are not interchangeable and certainly not mass produced," said Ault. "They are the deliberate products of long and arduous understudy … in their craft. And that mentorship comes from the best leaders in the Army."
Ault recognized aviators and crewmembers attending the ceremony who served in the past and paved the way for today's aviation Soldiers.
"In attendance today are the Vietnam veterans and members from the 195th Assault Helicopter Battalion," said Ault. "They remind each of us [of] the responsibility we bear in serving our nation and living up to reputations that they produced years ago."
Ault said he had faith in the abilities of Robinson and perceived her to have unlimited potential with the organization that she has received.
"It has been an honor to get to know you, Col. Lori Robinson, and your husband, Tom," said Ault. "For what it is worth, I offer that the Army got this right. You are exactly the kind of values-based leader our Soldiers deserve. My wife, Kristi, and I look forward to watching you and your team write the next chapter in the history of this division and this great CAB."
Robinson ended her remarks to her new brigade by saying the Soldiers of the "Iron Eagle" Brigade looked great, and that she was truly honored and humbled to assume command of the aviation organization.
"Your stellar reputation precedes you, and I am confident that you will continue to excel as we prepare for the mission ahead," said Robinson.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2015 16:40 |
| Story ID: | 171257 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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