STRATCOM TPU welcomes new commander

Photo By Maj. Michael Garcia | United States Army Reserve Strategic Command Troop Program Unit (STRATCOM TPU) honored its outgoing commander, Maj. Adam Stanley, and welcomed Maj. Russell Porter in the change of command ceremony Sept. 10 at Peterson Air Force Base auditorium, Colorado  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

09.10.2016

Story by Maj. Michael Garcia 

76th Operational Response Command

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – United States Army Reserve Strategic Command Troop Program Unit (STRATCOM TPU) honored its outgoing commander, Maj. Adam Stanley, and welcomed Maj. Russell Porter in the change of command ceremony Sept. 10 at Peterson Air Force Base auditorium.
“I’d like to say thank you to Maj. Stanley and your family, and welcome to Russell and your family,” said 76th Division Operational Response Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Ricky Waddell, the reviewing officer at the ceremony. “Adam, your watch is done and you can move on to the 11th Theater Aviation Command’s new brigade that has stood up there. Russ, welcome aboard, the books will get deeper. Welcome to the watch.”
In his speech, Stanley remarked on the endless productivity that his Soldiers have provided to the unit, to the Army Reserve. “You’re more than just an active duty Soldier. You’re a dad; you’re a mom, husband, and wife. I appreciate the sacrifice because I know that it does takes sacrifice to be here today and everything.”
With the passing of the colors to Porter, the STRATCOM TPU said goodbye to its commander and received its new commander.
“Russ you inherit a very dedicated technically expert, tactically proficient group that I know you will do an excellent job with. You all are group of true professionals and it has been without any reservation, honored to have been in command of this unit. Thank you, God Bless, and God’s speed track STRATCOM TPU.”
When it was time for Porter to address the audience, he thanked his wife and those in attendance for their support as he takes on this challenging but fulfilling position. “I look forward to continuing to serve with the NCOs and Officers of STRATCOM TPU and I ask for your continued support, thank you,” he added.
“Being in command is special, right? Everything that happens or fails is your responsibility and so that is a heavy burden to bear, but it is also an awesome responsibility, so welcome aboard,” said Waddell.
Porter’s service and accomplishments in the Army attest to his ability to take this command. He is a graduate of North Georgia College where he participated in the Corps of Cadets and the ROTC program. Upon graduation, Porter attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course followed by an assignment with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. While assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, he participated in deployments to Iraq in 2003 and 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Porter served as Company Fire Support Officer for Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment; platoon leader for Battery B, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment; and after having assisted with the creation of the 4th Brigade, served as platoon leader and Battery Executive Officer for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment. Porter also served as battalion adjutant and assistant operations officer for 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment. Porter culminated his active duty service as the Brigade Fire Support Officer for 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He continued his service in the Army Reserve with assignments as operations officer and acting team leader of Army Space Support Team 15. He was also the Secretary of the General Staff for the deputy commanding general for operations of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command; as well as operations officer and deputy team leader for Army Space Support Team 16, which included a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Porter’s most recent assignment is Space Operations Officer for STRATCOM TPU.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2016
• Date Posted: 09.30.2016 17:23
• Story ID: 211075
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
• Hometown: PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, CO, US
• Hometown: SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US