Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Wolff | Army Capt. Christopher M. Hodl addresses Soldiers from the 189th Military Police...... read more read more
Subscribe
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — The change of command ceremony is a time-honored event that preserves the rich heritage of military tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization.
Recently, Army Capt. Suzanne Redente assumed command of the 189th Military Police Company from Army Capt. Christopher M. Hodl in a change of command ceremony at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, June 24. After passing the unit colors to the new commander, Hodl, the outgoing commander, addressed the crowd. He reflected on his command and thanked Army Col. Bruce Vargo, commander of the Joint Detention Group, and Army Lt. Col. Alexander Conyers, commander of the 525th Military Police Battalion, for their guidance, support, and the opportunity to serve with the finest, hardest-working and most professional group of Soldiers ever, keeping the operational tempo going and never failing the mission. Hodl continued, attributing his success to the officers and non-commissioned officers under his command.
"Hodl cared about his service members and worked long hours in both the camp and the unit," said Army Staff Sgt. Maryellen Rovillos, a 189th MP service member. "He ensured that they were properly trained to standards and focused on the physical fitness program. I wish him good luck and thank him for his professionalism."
In his remarks, Conyers praised Hodl for his many accomplishments.
"His selection for the Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award is a testament of how well he performed his duties," Conyers said. "[He] skillfully balanced physical fitness, warrior tasks, administration operations and running Camp 5 with Soldiers from both the 189th and 193rd MP companies. His credentials are measured by the way he took care of his Soldiers."
The incoming commander, Capt. Redente, addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for taking time out of their evening to be there.
"It is with the utmost honor and pride that I stand before you as the commander of the 189th MP Company. Thank you for such a great opportunity," Redente said. "Capt. Hodl, thank you for being the dedicated leader you were, and molding such a fine group of Soldiers. I wish you and your family the best of luck with your next assignment.
"To the Soldiers, you are the 189th MP Company and will always be my number one priority," Redente continued. "All policies and procedures will remain in effect until otherwise notified."
Redente concluded by announcing her camp call sign and saying, "Present for duty."
Prior to the ceremony in a separate presentation, Hodl was honored and awarded with the Meritorious Service Medal for his 16-month tenure as the commander of the 189th MP Company and the officer in charge of Camp 5.
Following the ceremony, service members lined up to congratulate both the incoming and outgoing commanders and wish them good luck in their new assignments.
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2009 14:18 |
| Story ID: | 36039 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 345 |
| Downloads: | 233 |
This work, Redente takes charge of 189th, by SFC Steven Rougeau, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
