45th Infantry Brigade changes commanders

Photo By Spc. Brianna Rhodes | Col. David Jordan, outgoing commander of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, salutes the colors during the playing of the National Anthem at the Brigade’s change of command ceremony held, at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, Feb. 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brianna Rhodes)  

BRAGGS, OK, UNITED STATES

02.11.2018

Story by Spc. Brianna Rhodes 

45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

CAMP GRUBER, Okla. - Soldiers of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team held the time-honored tradition of conducting a change of command ceremony at Camp Gruber, near Braggs, Oklahoma, to honor outgoing commander Col. David Jordan of Edmond, Oklahoma, and welcome incoming commander, Col. Chris Chomosh, of Claremore, Oklahoma, on Feb. 11.

“The Thunderbird is here in my heart, just like it’s in the hearts of all the people we’ve ever helped in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Ukraine, Germany, Italy and France,” said Jordan of the lineage of the Thunderbirds. “Anywhere we’ve ever been or anywhere we’ll ever go, when we leave it’s in our heart.”

Jordan enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in 1987, as a Field Artillery Cannon Fire Direction Specialist with 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery. He commissioned in 1990, assuming his first command in 1994 with Charlie Battery, 1-160th FA. He served in several staff positions within the battalion and moved on to several positions with the 45th IBCT and with Joint Force Headquarters.

Jordan has deployed multiple times, including last year to Ukraine with nearly 500 Soldiers from the 45th IBCT. They assisted Ukrainian soldiers in forming a Combat Training Center, prepared their battalions for combat operations, and assisted with defense reform toward the Ukrainian goal of NATO interoperability. Jordan has been awarded many prestigious medals including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.

During the ceremony, the Brigade’s colors - the flag symbolizing the unit - passed from Jordan, to Thompson as a symbol of the relinquishment of duties.

“You’ve been good everywhere, you achieved everything you set out to do,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “It’s time for change, and this is a day you can leave with your head held high.”

In the past year, the 45th IBCT deployed units to Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Kosovo. The 45th IBCT also supported domestic operations in Houston, Texas after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

“The contribution the Guard makes to our country can’t be matched,” said Thompson, referencing the deployments at home and abroad. "You think about the legacy of the 45th, of the Division and the Brigade, and it's unquestionable what we're all a part of."

The ceremony also recognizes the incoming commander through the passing of the Brigade's colors from Thompson to Chomosh, commemorating his first official day as the Brigade’s top officer.

"I want to congratulate you on this huge challenge," said Thompson to Chomosh. "I've been a fan of yours for a long time and I think you're going to do an outstanding job."

Chomosh commissioned in 1990 upon graduation from the Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama. He twice served as a Company Commander for 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, in addition to other roles within the Battalion and IBCT, to include the 179th Infantry Regiment. He was the 180th squadron commander in Kuwait/Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during Operation New Dawn. He also deployed numerous times in support of domestic operations that included flood and tornado responses, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He has been awarded numerous prestigious medals, including a Bronze Star Medal with “V” device and Meritorious Service Medals. In Chomosh’s civilian job, he is a police officer with over 25 years service.

“The Thunderbird Brigade will always be ready and we will make it happen,” said Chomosh. “Our Brigade has a can-do attitude and will do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission."

• Date Taken: 02.11.2018
• Date Posted: 02.13.2018 10:51
• Story ID: 265568
• Location: BRAGGS, OK, US
• Hometown: EDMOND, OK, US