By Sgt. Tresa Allemang
Louisiana National Guard
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Maj. Dirk D. Erickson assumed command of the 773rd Military Police Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group, from Lt. Col. Kenneth P. Donnelly during a ceremony, Oct. 19, at the parade field on Camp Beauregard, La.
"Like his predecessor, Maj. Erickson brings to this organization the experience and dedication of a seasoned and capable leader. I am confident that this battalion will continue on the road to success under his leadership," said Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard.
During his assumption speech, Erickson, a Gonzales, La., native, told stories about valuable lessons he learned from key people in his life, including his parents. "My dad taught me how to work. He taught me that sweat is not an issue, and blisters are a thing of pride. My mom taught me how to love and have compassion for other people."
He then addressed his new battalion. "To the Soldiers of the 773rd, these are my vows," Erickson said. "I hope to always get back up and keep swinging. I hope to always give you clear intent and to give you the resources you need so that you can be successful. The last thing is, I promise to put you before me and I promise to be fair and just."
Donnelly, the outgoing commander, was then recognized and given the Meritorious Service Medal for the battalion's success while he served as commander.
"Lt. Col. Donnelly brought a wealth of experience, knowledge and dedication. Under his watch, this battalion has successfully prepared and deployed more than 300 military policemen in support of the Global War on Terrorism," said Landreneau as he listed the successes of the outgoing commander.
"I remember standing on this same parade field, at this same podium delivering my incoming commander's speech. I quoted our president George W. Bush and pledged, 'I will not falter, and we will not fail,' to Maj. Gen. Landreneau," Donnelly said as he reflected back on his command time with the unit.
Landreneau noted that although the parade field consisted of many Soldiers, there were two companies missing during the ceremony. Flags with yellow ribbons were posted in each empty space. One was for the 2228th Military Police Company, currently deployed to Iraq, and the other for 39th Military Police Company, who is training in preparation for deployment to Iraq.
Donnelly, an Alexandria, La., resident, is assuming a position as the administrative officer at the 225th Engineer Brigade at Camp Beauregard, La.
Erickson, an Alexandria, La., resident, currently works full-time with the National Guard as the state training officer and commands the Special Reaction Team. The SRT is the adjutant general's quick reaction force and consists of at least 100 Soldiers trained and ready to react to any situations that need law enforcement assistance.
Erickson, enlisted in the Army in 1985, then joined the National Guard in 1989. In 1998, after achieving the rank of staff sergeant, he received a direct commission to second lieutenant.
In 2006, Erickson commanded Task Force Gator for approximately six months. The task force consists of members of the Louisiana Army National Guard, who work full-time assisting the New Orleans Police Department.
In 2002, he deployed to Afghanistan with the 769th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Erickson is the son of Eric G. Erickson, of Gonzalez, La., and Rose Y. Hatcher of Baton Rouge, La. He and his wife Elizabeth have two daughters, Cameron, 11, and Avery, 6.
| Date Taken: |
12.03.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
12.03.2008 14:20 |
| Story ID: |
27138 |
| Location: |
US |
| Web Views: |
319 |
| Downloads: |
172 |
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