Braun Takes Command of 1-120th Field Artillery

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman | The 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the Red Fox Battalion, held a change of command ceremony March 5, 2023, in Marshfield, Wis., with Lt. Col. Nicholas Braun taking charge as commander of the battalion.  

MARSHFIELD, WI, UNITED STATES

03.05.2023

Story by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman 

32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

The 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the Red Fox Battalion, held a change of command ceremony March 5, 2023, in Marshfield, Wis., with Lt. Col. Nicholas Braun taking charge as commander of the battalion.

As the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Nate Bennington reflected on the many accomplishments of the battalion during his time there, and stated that the most important part of making a battalion great was the culture.

Bennington elaborated that Red Fox Battalion is, “a culture that places our people first, a culture that is grounded in our fundamentals of trust, care, communication, pride, and collective responsibility.” He continued on, asking the leadership to “continue to inspire each member of the team to be better every day for your Soldiers, for the Army, and for your brothers and sisters serving next to you.”

Col. Jeffrey Alston, the commander of the 32nd IBCT, reflected on Bennington’s time with the Red Arrow Brigade.

Alston stated that Bennington has had a crucial role, especially “in preparing the Field Artillery cadre, staff officer and future leaders, mentoring Soldiers, all with the aim to secure a healthy future for the artillery.”

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Seefeld, who served as Bennington’s first command sgt. maj. in command, was unable to be present but sent remarks to honor the occasion.

He reflected on Bennington’s long career and impact that he has made over that time. “As a battery commander, he was hands down the most respected commander I have ever seen because no one takes care of Soldiers to the level he does,” stated Seefeld.

Seefeld also left advice for Braun, saying “there is not a finer organization of Soldiers or families to command in the Army,” and reminding him of the role he has to fill because of the level of outstanding leadership the battalion has become accustomed to.

Alston explained how prepared Braun is to take the reins, as he stated “I had to find a leader ready to take on this demanding role given the importance of fires to close combat, someone that would take on their duties with the same vigor and energy as the current Red Fox Six.”

Incoming commander Braun reinforced that the 1-120th is being challenged with the task of preparing for the JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center) exercise in the next 18 months.

Braun emphasized that during this time he asks the leaders and Soldiers to, “be professional, be present, be a team player, be unafraid of failure, and be ready.” He went on to state, “it is the junior leaders and enlisted Soldiers that will do the majority of the heavy lifting and I am confident that you will rise to meet this challenge.”

• Date Taken: 03.05.2023
• Date Posted: 03.06.2023 12:38
• Story ID: 439737
• Location: MARSHFIELD, WI, US