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    Cavalry squadron welcomes new leader

    MCALESTER, OK, UNITED STATES

    02.06.2016

    Story by Sgt. Anthony Jones 

    45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

    MCALESTER, Okla. - Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, held the time-honored traditions of a change of command ceremony in McAlester, Oklahoma, to welcome incoming commander, Lt. Col. Michael Urrutia of Edmond, Oklahoma, and honor outgoing commander Lt. Col. Robert Walter of Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Feb. 6.

    During the ceremony, the squadron’s colors - the flag symbolizing the unit - were passed from the Squadron's command sergeant major to the outgoing commander. The outgoing commander then passed the flag to his higher command as a symbol of relinquishing his duties.

    “I am grateful and honored to join this organization,” Urrutia said in a speech addressing the squadron. “I am humbled to be here.”

    Urrutia joined the Army in 1987 and served three years on Active Duty before joining the California Army National Guard. Since joining the Oklahoma Army National Guard in August 2002, Urrutia has held multiple positions including commander of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, executive officer of 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, and the operations officer of the 45th IBCT. Urrutia has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan and participated in various domestic operations.

    Col. David Jordan, commander of the 45th IBCT, passed the colors to Urrutia and said his experience has prepared him well for command. Jordan also took time to honor the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Robert Walter, of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

    “Responsibility of command is heavy,” Jordan said as he addressed the Soldiers. “Under Bob’s [Walter] leadership the squadron excelled at every task it was given.”

    Walter joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard as a rifleman in 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade, in 1990 and was commissioned as an officer after graduation from the University of Central Oklahoma ROTC Program in 1993. He has served in several Oklahoma Army National Guard units in various positions to include intelligence officer for 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, company commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, and operations officer of the 45th IBCT while the brigade was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011-2012.

    Walter's new position will be as the 45th IBCT's deputy commanding officer. During the ceremony, he spoke to the squadron and thanked their families for sharing the burden of service.

    “Most of all, I want to thank the Soldiers of the squadron,” Walter said. “I am amazed at all the things you’ve accomplished.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.06.2016
    Date Posted: 02.22.2016 17:06
    Story ID: 188138
    Location: MCALESTER, OK, US
    Hometown: EDMOND, OK, US
    Hometown: STILLWATER, OK, US

    Web Views: 47
    Downloads: 0

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