2-305th Red Team holds Change of Command ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Roger Houghton | Col. Jack. E. Vantress transfers the 2nd Battalion, 305th Field Artillery Regiment colors to Lt. Col. David R. O’Leary during a change of command ceremony, June 19th, 2019 at Camp Shelby, MS. The colors are passed from the outgoing commander, to the brigade commander, and then to the incoming commander, as a symbolic transfer of command. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Roger Houghton/177th Armored Brigade Public Affairs)  

MS, UNITED STATES

06.19.2019

Story by Sgt. Roger Houghton 

First Army

Lt. Col. Kirk J. Junker handed over the colors of the 2nd Battalion "Red Team", 305th Field Artillery Regiment, 177th Armored Brigade to the incoming commander, Lt. Col. David R. O’Leary, during a change of command ceremony, June 19, 2019 at Camp Shelby, MS.

Friends, family, soldiers, and even partner units of the 177th Armored Brigade attended the ceremony.

During his command, Junker oversaw the Red Team's mission, using Observer, Coach/Trainers to forge a more ready and resilient Army by building partnerships with Reserve Component field artillery units stationed in the 177th Armored Brigade's area of responsibility.

Lt. Col. O’Leary, who has since taken command of the 2-305th Red Team Battalion, took to the podium during Wednesday’s ceremony to address his new formation.

“This is a very important moment for me and my family and stands as the greatest privilege of my career thus far,” said O’Leary. “I humbly accept this great responsibility knowing that this is a special command with a unique, and vitally important mission.”

The Red Team Battalion's mission recently took them to training areas at Ft. Chaffee, AK, where they observed the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade during their Annual Training.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” said O’Leary. “I want to thank you again for your presence today, and also your confidence in my ability to assume this critical mission and to lead this great formation.”

During his speech, Junker compared his time in command to a baseball game.

“Each day I take the mound. I check to make sure the team is set and I deliver the pitch,” said Junker. “Except my pitches are in the form of decisions, guidance, and mentoring.”

Junker thanked the battalion leadership and staff for “making the routine plays look routine.”

“Of course, this isn’t baseball,” said Junker. “We’re training Soldiers for combat to defeat the enemy. Our organization exists to make the Army better each and every day.”

Junker’s next assignment will be as the Officer in Charge of Operations for First Army Division East.

• Date Taken: 06.19.2019
• Date Posted: 06.20.2019 13:56
• Story ID: 328502
• Location: MS, US