Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Amy King | OGLETHORPE ARMORY, Ellenwood, Ga., June 10, 2018 – Colonel John Gentry, commander of...... read more read more
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ELLENWOOD, Ga., June 10, 2018 - Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Newton assumed command of the 348th Brigade Support Battalion during a change of command ceremony at the Oglethorpe Armory in Ellenwood, Ga. Lt. Col. Lowe, the outgoing battalion commander, will assume duties as deputy commander of the Columbus-based 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
“The words that I put down on paper will never provide the appropriate accolades for everything that (Lt. Col. Lowe) has done for not only this battalion, but also for the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade,” said Col. John Gentry, commander of the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. “So, days like today are very bittersweet.”
The change of command ceremony is a tradition in which the passing of the battalion’s colors symbolizes the relinquishing of command from the outgoing to the incoming commander. The ceremony also highlighted the career of both the outgoing and incoming commanders.
“I am exceedingly blessed to possess an extraordinary village of people who have benefited my life greatly,” said Newton. “Whether meeting in the Georgia Guard, Norfolk Southern, or other walk of life, I extend my sincerest gratitude.”
Newton began his career as a combat engineer in the United States Marine Corps. He received his commission in August 2004 and was subsequently assigned as the platoon leader for Company A, 148th Forward Support Battalion. During this time, he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He assumed command of Company A in May 2008, and in this capacity deployed with them once again to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Newton later served as commander of the 230th Brigade Support Company and was the senior logistician responsible for providing primary logistical support for the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. Newton’s most recent assignment was as the logistics branch chief at the Georgia Garrison Training Center.
“Going forward we will viciously support the force whether called in to homeland security or homeland defense missions,” said Newton. “Additionally, we will provide extraordinary effort in the support of civilian authorities. I realize this will not be an easy task, but we are fortunate to have the right team in place to be successful.”
He went on to describe his three-pronged approach for success; passion, initiative and readiness, placing special emphasis on the latter.
Lowe considers the biggest success of his time as commander to be honing logistical skills, working in the field, and giving Soldiers the opportunity to do the job they joined to do.
Lowe said that the leaders within the 348th have lived their mantra of "great units do routine things well, routinely".
During the ceremony, Lowe was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and presented with a plaque signifying his induction into the Order of Saint Martin, an association for distinguished logistical personnel. Additionally, Lowe was presented with framed battalion colors and a woodsman knife as a gesture of gratitude for his time served as commander of the 348th BSB.
“I have been so blessed to command this battalion and to have had the team I had,” said Lowe. “It’s hard to leave.”
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2018 13:25 |
| Story ID: | 280654 |
| Location: | ELLENWOOD, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 206 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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