Lt. Col. Brenchley Assumes Command of 97th Troop Command

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jordan Hack | Lt. Col. Steven T. Brenchley, incoming 97th Troop Command (97th TC) commander, hands the 97th TC colors to Command Sgt. Major Richard Thalman, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the 97th TC, during a Change of Command ceremony at Camp Williams on Sep. 15. Col. Scott K. Burnhope relinquished command to Brenchley after three years in command of the 97th TC. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jordan Hack\Released)  

CAMP WILLIAMS, UT, UNITED STATES

09.16.2018

Story by Sgt. Jordan Hack 

128th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah — Col. Scott K. Burnhope relinquished command of 97th Troop Command (97th TC), Utah National Guard (UTNG) to Lt. Col. Steven T. Brenchley during a change of command ceremony at Camp Williams, Sep. 15.

Burnhope spoke about his focus on unit readiness during his three year tenure as commander. This focus included heavy concentration on several areas of individual readiness such as physical fitness, job qualification, and collective tasks.

"I’m proud to stand here in front of you after the last three years as your commander," said Burnhope. "It’s been an honor."

The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton, UTNG, reviewing officer for the ceremony, was impressed with Burnhope's tenure.

"I’ve never known a more honorable, more capable leader than Scott Burnhope," said Burton. "He’s no nonsense. It’s hard to get him to smile sometimes, but I can tell you that he loves you and that he cares deeply about Soldiers, and that he demonstrates that every day."

Burton presented Burnhope with the Meritorious Service Medal for his three years as commander of the 97th TC.

"I’m privileged to follow previous great commanders, and humbled to move this organization forward with all of you," said Brenchley, incoming 97th TC commander.

Brenchley reflected on the story of his childhood dentist, Wendell McGarry, A prisoner of war survivor from World War II. He expressed his appreciation for McGarry's hardships, and stressed that "we can do hard things."

Brenchley is assuming command of more than 500 Soldiers, having previously served as a liaison officer for the 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Post-Operational Detachment.

After watching Brenchley for many years, Burton expressed his confidence in Brenchley as a capable successor to Burnhope, due to his understanding of the unit's mission and his principle-based leadership capabilities.

• Date Taken: 09.16.2018
• Date Posted: 09.16.2018 10:27
• Story ID: 293004
• Location: CAMP WILLIAMS, UT, US