Fort Riley MSBs case colors, complete mission, 642nd RSG takes reins

Photo By Ismael Ortega | Command teams from the 2218th Mobilization Support Battalion, left, 642nd Regional Support Group, center, and the 2220th MSB, right, stand at parade rest during the Transfer of Authority ceremony at Stayton Theater July 22.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

07.28.2016

Story by Adam Holguin 

Mobilization and Deployment, DPTMS Fort Bliss

The 2218th and 2220th Mobilization Support Battalions cased their colors during a disestablishment ceremony at Stayton Theater here July 6, marking the inactivation of the two Army Reserve MSBs from Fort Riley, Kansas, after their completion of a seven-month mission with the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

“Disestablishments are never a good thing, but let’s end this on a high note,” said Col. Walter Catlett, commander, 2nd Mobilization Support Group.

This will be the final rotation of mobilization support battalions since they took over the M&D mission in 2010. Since September 2001, through different iterations, Mobilization and Deployment has overseen the mobilization and demobilization of more than 330,000 Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and contractors.

“Soldiers executed the mission of processing mobilizing Soldiers flawlessly, at the largest mobilization platform in the world,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Vestering, command sergeant major, 2218th MSB. “I am truly blessed to have extremely knowledgeable, competent Soldiers that did not accept status quo and made significant improvements to the Fort Bliss mobilization process.”

Working with Soldiers, government service civilians and contractors, the MSBs provided personnel, operations, logistics, information management and life support services for mobilizing and demobilizing National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers, companies and battalions here, at McGregor Range, New Mexico, and at other training locations.

“Some of the training units have been here before and they say that it has really improved,” said Lt. Col. Derrick Martin, commander, 2220th Mobilization Support Bn. “You keep making the process better and better. From what I have heard from different Soldiers is that Fort Bliss has the best (mobilization platform) in the Army right now.”

Improvements that the MSBs have helped implement include cleaning up trash and rotten structures as well as making arrangements for a new tactical operations center at FOB Westbrook; beginning the renovation and improvements at the McGregor Chapel; upgrading the equipment and infrastructure at Staff Sgt. Hollingsworth gym; instituting a 24 hour internet café at the McGregor Mayor Cell and implementing tracking systems for equipment throughout Mobilization and Deployment facilities.

“I have been very satisfied and very happy with how this mission has turned out. I think we were extraordinarily successful providing the highest caliber service possible to our customers,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Bryant, commander, 2218th MSB.

And as the needs of the Reserve change, so will the future endeavors of the Soldiers within the two MSBs.

“It’s bittersweet. It has been a great mission and the Soldiers have been great,” Martin said. “I would love to serve with them again, but of course in the military you do great things and then you move and do something else.”

The 2218th and 2220th MSBs officially relinquished command of the M&D mission to the 642nd Regional Support Group during a Transfer of Authority ceremony July 22 here.

The 642nd RSG arrived June 24 to get accustomed to the battle rhythm and area of responsibilities. The unit members look forward to taking the reins of this important mission.

“We are exceedingly motivated to be here at Fort Bliss leading the Army’s premier Mobilization and Deployment platform,’’ said Col. Tucker Wilson, commander, 642nd RSG. “We are eager to accept this great challenge and fully understand our part of ensuring mission success for our nation’s great Soldiers.’’

• Date Taken: 07.28.2016
• Date Posted: 07.29.2016 11:50
• Story ID: 205390
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US
• Hometown: DECATUR, GA, US
• Hometown: FORT RILEY, KS, US