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    Lt. Col. Harzewski assumes command of the 483rd TC BN

    Lt. Col. Harzewski assumes command of the 483rd TC BN

    Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Lt. Col. Thomas J. Harzewski, who is addressing his new command, a Rio Rancho, New...... read more read more

    CONCORD, CA, UNITED STATES

    10.15.2016

    Story by Capt. Fernando Ochoa 

    311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command   

    CONCORD, Calif. – Lt. Col. Thomas J. Harzewski, a Rio Rancho, New Mexico resident, assumed command of the 483rd Terminal Battalion from Lt. Col. Kevin O. McKenzie at the Military Ocean Terminal Concord, October 15. Col. Toni A. Glover, 650th Regional Support Group commander, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, was present to transfer the unit colors to Harzewski from McKenzie, who has led the unit for two years.

    Harzewski entered the U. S. Army Reserve in July 1993. He attended New Mexico State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the ROTC program at New Mexico State University, in Las Cruces, NM. His military education includes the Transportation Officer Basic Course, Command and General Staff Course and Operational Contracting Support and BN/BDE Pre-Command Course.

    The ceremony began with the traditional ceremonial pageantry. The standing units were summoned to order arms. The audience stood for the Presentation of the Colors and Honors, and the units were brought to present arms, then to parade rest. These displays of uniformity were executed with discipline and precision.

    Harzewski was enthusiastic and energized as he accepted the 483rd Terminal Battalion command, thanking the Soldiers and distinguished visitors for their presence and thanking Col. Glover for this opportunity.

    “It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted as the commander of the 483rd Terminal Battalion,” said Harzewski. “To our Soldiers, I want to reassure you that our leadership is genuinely concerned with you and your families and we are here to serve you.”

    In the center of the parade field, the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit took place. Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Seay, who is the keeper of the colors, passed the colors to McKenzie, the outgoing commander. He then passed the colors to Col. Glover, the representative of the higher command, symbolizing the relinquishment of his command.

    Col. Glover then delivered the colors to Harzewski, the new commander. Finally, the new commander passed it back to the command sergeant major, who is charged with protecting it. At the end of the ceremony, the commander of the higher command ordered the new battalion commander to take charge of his battalion.

    McKenzie was very thankful during his closing remarks. He thanked all the down trace units in his command, giving them the credit for his success. But, his best and most moving remarks were reserved for his wife, thanking her for her love and support.

    The wind blew through the bay and made the flags stand at attention, throughout the ceremony. During her remarks, Col. Glover reminded us, “As Soldiers in the U.S. Army, we’re tasked with upholding the constitution and protecting America’s freedoms. We each live a unique lifestyle so that when our nation calls we are ready. We like to call it Selfless Service.”

    Harzewski is currently a Lieutenant with the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is married to Kiersten and they have three children and a grandson: Monica, 28, Kathryn, 27, Amanda, 16, and grandson Andre, 8.

    The ceremony concluded with a catered reception at the drill hall that included a personalize cake, cold cut sandwiches and a cerebration with Harzewski’s wife, unit Soldiers and invited guests.

    The 483rd Terminal Battalion is located at the U.S. Army Reserve Command Brig. Gen. Mann building at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard California. In August of 2004, in support of the Global War on Terrorism, the battalion headquarters was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.15.2016
    Date Posted: 10.19.2016 22:47
    Story ID: 212422
    Location: CONCORD, CA, US

    Web Views: 260
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN