Lt. Col. Miller assumes command of the 98th ESB

Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Col. Charles R. Phariss, the 98th Expeditionary Signal Battalion outgoing commander, Col. Jean E. Henderson, 505th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Joseph S. Miller, a Tampa, Florida resident and the 98th ESB incoming commander, were in attendance at the Silvestre Herrera U.S. Army Reserve Center May 20, during a change of command ceremony.  

MESA, AZ, UNITED STATES

05.20.2017

Story by Capt. Fernando Ochoa 

505th Signal Brigade

MESA, Ariz. – Lt. Col. Joseph S. Miller, a Tampa, Florida resident, assumed command of the 98th Expeditionary Signal Battalion from Col. Charles R. Phariss at the Silvestre Herrera U.S. Army Reserve Center May 20.

Col. Jean E. Henderson, 505th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade commander, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, was present to transfer the unit colors to Miller from Phariss, who had led the unit for two years.

Miller received his commission as a Signal Officer from the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona. He is a graduate of the Signal Officer Basic and Advance Courses. In his civilian capacity, Miller is the DISA Central Field Command and Plans and Programs Division chief at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

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.

Miller was enthusiastic and energized as he accepted the 98th ESB command, thanking the Soldiers and distinguished visitors for their presence and thanking Col. Henderson for this opportunity.

“It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted as the commander of the 98th Expeditionary Signal Battalion,” said Miller. “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 hall, the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit took place. Command Sgt. Maj. Steven McGrath, who is the keeper of the colors, passed the colors to Phariss, the outgoing commander. He then passed the colors to Col. Henderson, the representative of the higher command, symbolizing the relinquishment of his command.

Col. Henderson then delivered the colors to Miller, 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.

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

The Soldiers of the brigade stood proud in the large hall and during her remarks, Col. Henderson reminded them, “As Soldiers in the U.S. Army, we’re tasked with upholding the constitution and protecting America’s freedoms. Our customers depend on our mission to deliver lifesaving operations and we stand ready to deliver them.”

Special guests to the ceremony included Maj. Gen. Peter Bosse, Brig. Gen. John Phillips, friends and family.

Miller is married to the former Miss Jennifer Page and the have a daughter, Elizabeth, and a son, Gregory.

The ceremony concluded with a catered reception that included personalize cakes, cold cut sandwiches and a cerebration with Miller’s family, unit Soldiers and invited guests.

The 98th Expeditionary Signal Battalion was constituted November 3, 1941 and activated at Camp Crowder, Missouri. After many changes and re-designations, the unit was reactivated to Mesa, Arizona September 17, 2008.

The 98th ESB conducts strategic signal operations to enable mission command for Joint and Department of Defense organizations, sending lifesaving communications within their footprint, serving as the Continuity of Operations (COOP) for the Regional Cyber Center.

• Date Taken: 05.20.2017
• Date Posted: 05.22.2017 18:37
• Story ID: 234783
• Location: MESA, AZ, US