223d Engineer Battalion Change of Command

Photo By Staff Sgt. Don Kazery | Lieutenant Col. Stacy Johnson speaks after assuming command of the 223rd Engineer Battalion at Camp McCain, Elliott, Mississippi, Aug. 13, 2017.  

ELLIOTT, MS, UNITED STATES

08.18.2017

Story by Spc. Don Kazery 

Joint Force Headquarters - Mississippi National Guard

Soldiers of the 223d Engineer Battalion gathered with friends, family members, and distinguished guests August 13, 2017, to say farewell to one commander and welcome another
Lieutenant Col. Stacy Johnson took command of the unit from Lt. Col. Joy Alexander during the unit's change of command ceremony on the parade field at Camp McCain, near Elliott, Mississippi.
During the ceremony, Col. Ilos Ducksworth, commander of the 168th Engineer Brigade, thanked Alexander on the outstanding job she has done as the commander for the 223d and welcomed Johnson into the role as the new commander.
“These two officers are two of the best officers in the Mississippi Guard, and I would say probably two of the best officers in the United States Army,” said Ducksworth. “Lieutenant Col. Johnson has got some big shoes to fill. Lieutenant Col. Alexander did outstanding. I know he (Johnson) is going to come in here and do a great job.”
Alexander was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for her selfless service, high professional standards, and devotion to duty while serving as the battalion’s commander.
“It is a tremendous honor and enormous responsibility that you have entrusted to me. You have given me charge of our most precious assets - the Soldiers of the 223d Engineer Battalion, and I will not take this responsibility lightly,” said Johnson.
The 223d Engineer Battalion is headquartered in West Point, Mississippi.


Story and photos by SPC Don Newman Kazery, III, Public Affairs Office Joint Force Headquarters. For more information please contact him at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 08.18.2017
• Date Posted: 08.23.2017 17:07
• Story ID: 245294
• Location: ELLIOTT, MS, US
• Hometown: WEST POINT, MS, US