214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Changes Command

Photo By Sgt. Eric Zedalis | New 214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Anthony Richards, passes the colors to U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Deidra Knight, 214th MPAD’s acting 1st Sgt., during the change of command ceremony Aug. 11, 2020 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, North Chesterfield, Virginia. The return of the colors from the new commander to the senior enlisted advisor affirms the new commander’s faith in the unit’s noncommisioned officer . (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Spc. Eric Zedalis)  

RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES

08.11.2020

Story by Spc. Eric Zedalis 

214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

RICHMOND, Va. – The 214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment changed command Aug. 11, outside the Armed Forces Reserve Center, North Chesterfield, Virginia.
Incoming commander U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Anthony Richards assumed command of the Richmond based unit from Maj. Suraya Bair during a socially-distanced ceremony.
“I’m humbled and honored to take my first command at the 214th MPAD,” said Richards. “In the months I’ve served in the unit, the Soldiers have demonstrated an impressive level of professionalism, knowledge and expertise.”
“I’m truly excited to lead this formation forward and maintain the high level of success established during Maj. Bair’s tenure,” Richards added.
Richards was direct commissioned in December 2013. He has served as a fire support specialist, a heavy weapons company training officer, an assistant operations officer at a headquarters company, a company and a detachment executive officer, and most recently, a public affairs officer with the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
Bair, who has moved to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, said she was grateful to have served with the unit and excited to see it move forward with a new commander.
“This position is an opportunity for Soldiers and junior leaders to teach a commander to become a compassionate officer, an accountable leader, and a better Soldier,” Bair said. “Company level leadership is the only place in the military where an officer has the opportunity to directly impact Soldiers.”
Bair passed the unit guidon to Richards in a ceremonial transfer of authority before saying one final farewell to her troops.
“I have witnessed these Soldiers’ calm composure under the stress of an impending deadline, their transcendent talent as they crafted award-winning products, and the dedication of our leaders promote the success of every Soldier,” said Bair. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served with each Soldier of the 214th MPAD.”
In attendance at the ceremony was Lt. Col. Ted Vick, Commander of the 361st Public Affairs Operation Center, and parent unit to the 214th MPAD, as well as Richards’ wife, Cheryl.

• Date Taken: 08.11.2020
• Date Posted: 08.16.2020 12:11
• Story ID: 375927
• Location: RICHMOND, VA, US