Photo By Thomas Wheeler | Col. James P. Isenhower III (left), incoming commander for the Joint Base...... read more read more
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. — The 189th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division West, welcomed a new command team here, July 22 in a traditional ceremony to the music of the 34th Infantry Division’s “Red Bull” band.
After more than two years, both Col. Randall Wickman and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas C. Reitmeier transferred command and responsibility for the 189th to Col. James P. Isenhower III and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas C. Kenny.
“It’s an honor to come back to JBLM,” said Isenhower, who most recently served as Director, Chairman's Office of Reintegration, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“I was here twice as a kid, and again as a major with 1-25 Stryker Brigade back 2005 and 2006,” said Isenhower. “It’s an honor to come back and join the 189th. They’ve got a terrific mission with a significant and profound impact across the total Army.”
Kenny, whose most recent assignments included a short six months in the III Corp Equal Opportunity office at Fort Hood, Texas, and a tour as the Area Support Group Kuwait command sergeant major, echoed the sentiment.
”It’s a great team and I’m very excited about training other units for their wartime mission,” said Kenny, a native of Quantico, Virginia. “The family is excited to be here. It’s truly amazing and beautiful and we’ll hopefully get the chance to get out and explore.”
Locations aside, both leaders emphasized their goals for the organization’s future.
“I think partnership is primary in my mind in terms of the units with which we’ll work most, as well as partnerships with tenant’s here at JBLM,” said Isenhower. “We all share the same installation and it’s always fun to see old friends and work with them and find material for progress, and move on it.”
“I want to maintain what the previous chain of command did,” said Kenny. “Keep moving them moving forward staying motivated, agile, and adaptive.”
While welcoming the brigade’s new command team to the Division West Family, the ceremony’s reviewing officer, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, Division West commanding general, led the field house floor to a round of applause in saying goodbye to the brigade’s former command team.
“Today we farewell one of our division’s most innovative and committed leaders in Col. Randall Wickman, and his wife Lisa of 22 years, as Randall moves on to his next assignment as Assistant Director of Training for the Army,” said Colt.
“We also say goodbye to Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas C. Reitmeier, the 189th’s command sergeant major, and his wife of Wendy of 28 years,” added Colt. “The command sergeant major’s follow-on assignment is as the Sergeant Major for the Mission Command Center of Excellence, Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.”
Colt went on to characterize the team’s accomplishments during their time at the wheel.
“During the tour of leadership of Col. Wickman and Command Sgt. Maj. Reitmeier, the 189th Infantry Brigade changed mission from post-mobilization support of the Army Guard and Reserve towards training readiness; supporting other peer partner brigades as they sharpened their conventional war fighting skills’” said Colt. “The ‘Cold Steel’ Brigade fostered in this new evolution with their standing unofficial motto, ‘Any mission, anytime, anywhere.’”
Colt went on to show his confidence in the new command team.
“I have no doubt James will bring an enormous set of unique experiences and perspectives to lead the 189th Infantry Brigade into the future,” said Colt. “James, the mission here is critical; the units we train are motivated and skilled; the trainers you will lead are competent, confident, and committed to the training mission. I have little doubt you will find this position both challenging as well as rewarding.”
During his last time at the 189th podium, Wickman, had both words of praise for his former command and their families, but also words of wisdom.
“On behalf of myself and Command Sgt. Maj. and Wendy Reitmeier we are humbled and grateful for the absolute privilege of being part of the ‘Cold Steel’ family,” said Wickman. “Command Sgt. Maj. Reitmeier and I hope we have served you well and that you don’t rest on what is now, but seek out what lies ahead. Eager to pursue any mission anytime, anywhere.
“Jim and Sheryl, Command Sgt. Maj. and Lori Kenny, best of luck to you going forward with this incredible team of teams. The ‘Cold Steel’ family is proud, distinguished, and your precious two years go very quickly,” Wickman added.
Wickman ended his time at the microphone with special words for the ones who make it all possible — the families.
“Families of the ‘Cold Steel’ Brigade, a special thanks to you for letting your Soldiers do what they love and spend as much time as they need to train others,” he said. “It is vital that they do so and we are forever in your debt and an Army Strong Family. Cold Steel Brigade, continue your mission — carry on, Cold Steel Six out.”
| Date Taken: | 07.28.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2015 14:09 |
| Story ID: | 171347 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 412 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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