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ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas – The Army Reserve’s 75th Innovation Command bade a fond farewell Oct. 23 to Maj. Christopher Allen as his tenure as commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment came to an end.
Maj. Brandon Trama assumed command of the detachment.
Maj. Gen. Marty Klein, commanding general, 75th Innovation Command, presided over the ceremony. Klein first thanked Allen’s spouse and their children for the sacrifices they made during Allen’s 36 months in command.
“I want you to know on behalf of the Soldiers that you see here, your husband has made the lives of these Soldiers better,” Klein told Allen’s family and more than 50 Soldiers present at the ceremony.
“It is not lost to me that a large portion of the mantle of responsibility has fallen onto you and your family as he’s been here and away,” Klein said.
After Klein wished Allen and his family the best in their next great endeavor, he turned his attention to Trama.
“We have the privilege of welcoming the incoming commander, Major Brandon Trama. This is an individual with great capability and capacity. He has served this nation in combat zones, in garrison, in the active component, the Army National Guard, and now the Army Reserve. This is a leader who knows what right looks like. This is a leader who understands the crucible of command and the mantle of responsibility.
“Brandon, these men and women before you today are some of our nation’s best. They represent the citizen Soldiers of the United States Army Reserve, and these Army Reserve Soldiers in close proximity represent the best that our nation has to offer,” Klein said.
During his short remarks, Allen expressed his gratitude for his family and the Soldiers he commanded.
“I don’t consider myself a particularly emotional person, but as I hear words like ‘bittersweet,’ it does make me reflect on the past three years. I want to start out by thanking my wife, Ashton,” Allen said.
“I don’t tell her this often enough, but any time you’ve been in command or taken a leadership position that takes a lot out of you, you don’t really think about the toll that takes on your other half or the people at home. I’ve got to tell you, I would not have been able to dedicate as much of myself to this position if it was not for Ashton and my girls over here. And because of my wife, it did not take a toll on our relationship, and I have her to thank for that,” Allen said.
Allen’s next position is as the brigade S-1 for the 653rd Regional Support Group, in Mesa, Arizona. He is a franchise owner of a donut and ice-cream concept in Greater Houston.
Trama has served as an infantry Special Forces officer on active duty, in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. His last duty assignment was as an innovation officer with the 75th Innovation Command’s New York City Team.
In his civilian capacity, Trama is a senior manager for mergers and acquisition for one of the leading fuel suppliers in the United States.
“I’m honored to have the privilege of stepping into this role. It’s humbling, and clearly I have pretty big shoes to fill and a lot to live up to. I look forward to your understanding, patience, and hard work. I’m sure your ruck sacks are all ready for the 12-miler right after this. I’m kidding…for now. Continue mission,” Trama said.
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2022 18:21 |
| Story ID: | 431931 |
| Location: | ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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