Oklahoma National Guard unit changes commanders one last time

Photo By Staff Sgt. Eric McDonough | Lt. Col. Robert (Shawn) Barefoot of Washington, Oklahoma, outgoing commander (right), hands the unit colors to Col. John Zenker, commander of 90th Troop Command, in the last change of command ceremony for the Oklahoma National Guard’s 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The 345th’s headquarters unit is scheduled for deactivation and its component units will break into several support companies and reassigned to new commands within the Oklahoma National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Eric McDonough)  

ADA, OK, UNITED STATES

09.10.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Eric McDonough 

145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

ADA, Okla. – The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, held its last change of command at the armory in Ada, Oklahoma, Saturday, September 10.

The 345th’s headquarters unit is scheduled for deactivation. Its component units will break into several support companies and reassigned to new commands within the Oklahoma National Guard.

The unit was organized and federally recognized on September 3, 1918, in the Oklahoma National Guard as Hotel Company, 3rd Infantry, Ardmore, Oklahoma. It served under the famed 45th Infantry Division. The unit has been located in both Oklahoma and Texas.

The Battalion currently commands four independently numbered companies including Headquarters Company (HHC) 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1245th Transportation Company, 1345th Transportation Company, and Alpha Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion (Distribution).

Guardsmen, friends and family gathered to celebrate the change of command ceremony between Maj. Steve Cheadle, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and Lt. Col. Robert “Shawn” Barefoot, of Washington, Oklahoma. The two officers began their careers with the long-standing support battalion.

Cheadle, incoming commander, said he sees his new position as an honor.

“I started my career with the Oklahoma Guard in this unit,” Cheadle said. “I think it is a great honor to be able to case the Battalion colors and close out the history of this unit.”

Cheadle started his military career in the Navy before joining the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1995 as the 345th’s Headquarters Company Operations Officer. He has served a variety of positions within the 345th, including his most recent Battalion Support Operations Officer. Cheadle has three overseas deployments, two in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In a heartfelt farewell speech, Barefoot highlighted the many accomplishments of the 345th during his command.

“I stand here today only because of the Soldiers who have served underneath me or beside me,” said Barefoot, who commanded the Battalion since July 2014. “To be able to come back to this Battalion—the unit I started out in—and mentor young Soldiers, NCO’s and officers the way I was mentored, is what meant more to me than anything.”

Barefoot was commissioned in 1991 from the East Central University ROTC program and has spent his entire career in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Barefoot has also deployed three times with two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Barefoot will continue as the state deputy director of personnel assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters in Oklahoma City.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2016
• Date Posted: 09.15.2016 16:14
• Story ID: 209255
• Location: ADA, OK, US
• Hometown: TISHOMINGO, OK, US
• Hometown: WASHINGTON, OK, US