Geronimo hosts change of command

Photo By Chuck Cannon | Col. David Gardner, Joint Readiness Training Center Operations Group commander, passes the colors to Lt. Col. Henry Moltz, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment commander, June 26 at a change of command ceremony held at Fort Polk's Spike Field.  

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

06.26.2019

Story by Angie Thorne 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — A change of command for 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment took place at Fort Polk’s Spike Field June 26 as Lt. Col. Jimmy Hathaway, outgoing commander, passed the colors to Lt. Col. Henry Moltz.
Col. David Gardner, Joint Readiness Training Center Operations Group commander, said there is no battalion more feared, no name more respected, no Soldier more disciplined and no outfit more lethal than the 1st Battalion of the 509th (Geronimos).
“You can see the fear in the eyes of the forces that rotate through the JRTC each month. No foe has taken on more mythical proportions. Units that come here understand you must respect Geronimo if you have a chance at beating them,” he said.
Gardner said nobody was more perfectly suited to lead this battalion over the last two years than Hathaway.
“He cares about each man and woman on the field, but more importantly for this line of work, he cares about winning. When he is winning, he is gracious and generous to the units that train at JRTC. When he is losing, he’s downright ornery. Thankfully, Jimmy and Geronimo are usually winning,” he said.
Gardner said Hathaway could now take his place on the wall of distinguished former Geronimo commanders.
“Hopefully, you understand the impact you have had, not only on this battalion, but on the Army as a whole. Thank you for your hard work,” he said.
Hathaway thanked his leadership for all they did to help him during his tenure. He praised the efforts of everyone from company commanders to platoon sergeants for working tirelessly, taking his vision and turning it into a viable plan.
Hathaway also praised the paratroopers standing in formation as some of the most lethal warriors the Army has to offer.
“These are some of the most dedicated, hardworking, trustworthy men and women I could ever hope to be associated with. They work and outthink every rotational unit that comes to the JRTC. On the attack, they are unstoppable. It is these Soldiers who are the heartbeat of, not only the battalion, but Operations Group and JRTC,” he said.
Hathaway said as he moves to his next post, a part of him will always be here with this group of men and women.
“They are a special breed and Geronimo will always have a special spot in my heart, always a part of me,” he said.
He encouraged the Soldiers to continue to “own” the box during rotations.
“Geronimo, continue to fight, win and be devious. Your reputation as the most hated unit in the Army is well deserved because you are the best,” said Hathaway.
Gardner said the Army is fortunate that Moltz has stepped up to lead this great battalion to the next level.
“Your background is perfect to build upon those that have come before you and sustain the greatness that is Geronimo,” he said. “Remember, winning isn’t everything, unless you are Geronimo, in which case winning is the only thing.”
Moltz thanked the Geronimos in formation for the hard work they put into rehearsals and said he appreciated their efforts to make the ceremony a success. “It shows you have professionalism and pride in your unit. It’s impressive to see,” he said
You are known as a great fighting force, said Moltz.
“I think it’s true that we stand on the shoulders of our history and you’ve earned that credibility and I’m proud to be here to serve with you. All the way, Airborne,” he said.

• Date Taken: 06.26.2019
• Date Posted: 06.28.2019 10:56
• Story ID: 329601
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US