Photo By Capt. Maria Mengrone | Texas Army National guardsmen Capt. Eric Leatherman (center), the outgoing commander...... read more read more
SAN ANGELO, Texas – Texas guardsmen from 454th Engineer Company, 111th Engineer Battalion, 176th Engineer Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, bid farewell to outgoing commander Capt. Eric Leatherman and welcome incoming commander Capt. Eric Burnett during a change of command ceremony at the National Guard Armory in San Angelo, July 19, 2015.
The unit recently completed a nine-month route-clearance mission to Afghanistan.
“I will never forget, on his first formation with us Capt. Leatherman read us the serial number of a body bag,” said Spc. Clayton D. Ryan, combat engineer, 454th Engineer Company, 111th Engineer Battalion, TXARNG and native of Mansfield, Texas.
“He said he never wanted to use one of those serial numbers. It was a reminder to us that this was a real mission we were going on,” said Ryan.
Route clearance missions are among the most dangerous missions while deployed. However, Leatherman, who was selected above his peers to command the 454th Engineer Company one month prior to the unit’s scheduled mobilization date in early 2014, embraced the opportunity despite the danger.
“When I got the call I felt there was no greater honor than to be asked to serve my country; I’ve never lost sight of going down-range when I was selected,” said Leatherman. “One of my greatest challenges, with taking a unit on such a short notice, was getting the soldiers to find a common operational picture but in the end they did it.”
Leatherman is a married father with two daughters, ages six and four. He received his commission from the ROTC program at Texas State University in 2008.
During the change of command ceremony Leatherman delivered a passionate speech and focused on his desire to see the unit continue to look out for one another.
“You have brothers and sisters that stand next to you, you honor their service and never leave a fallen comrade behind, take care of each other,” said Leatherman.
Many guardsmen within the 454th Engineer Company describe a similar intensity about their outgoing commander.
“He is strong-willed, determined and focused; he knew what he was here to do,” said Sgt. Travis D. Chick, 454th Engineer Company, construction equipment repairer, a native of Frisco, Texas.
“He really embraced esprit de corps among the troops,” said 1st Sgt. Curtis J. Whitlock, first sergeant, 454th Engineer Company, 111th Engineer Battalion, TXARNG, native of San Angelo. “We were each other’s battle-buddy and he would give the shirt off his back for anyone.”
Taking over a recently returning unit from a combat deployment is no easy challenge but the incoming commander understands the task ahead.
“I am a firm believer in that you become who you surround yourself with and I am who I am today because of the people that have been a part of my life,” said Burnett.
Burnett makes a living motivating people to achieve their personal fitness goals as a cross-fit coach in Austin, Texas. He commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 2008.
“Always train hard and as a team,” said Burnett. “Give the why to your soldiers because giving understanding always makes soldiers work harder if they have a purpose.”
The 454th adopted the “lonewolf” insignia and is a Route Clearance Company that serves the San Angelo area.
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2015 15:27 |
| Story ID: | 172780 |
| Location: | SAN ANGELO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 1,072 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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