Embracing Change — HB, 2-3 FA Welcomes Capt. Dahl

Courtesy Photo | On Feb. 3, 2010, Headquarters Battery of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, "Hellraisers", conducted a Change of Command ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kostandina Tsagaris)  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

02.09.2010

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Pfc. Kostandina Tsagaris

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— On Feb. 3, Headquarters Battery of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, "Hellraisers", conducted a Change of Command ceremony.

The ceremony kicked off with an invocation by Chaplain Taylor Kim.

Following the Invocation, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Temple read a brief summary of 2-3 FA's history.

"The commander's presence was not only used to inspire their men but to learn much which could be applied to conserving the lives and building the efficiency of their forces," began Lt. Col. Charles Mills, 2-3 FA battalion commander.

"As a commanding officer, you are at the top of the ladder. How an officer handles the triad and the pressure of command reflects on the character of all who serve in that command, and in a larger sense, our Army," Mills continued.

Capt. Phillip Cole, who has served as the headquarters battery commander since January 2008, relinquished his command to Capt. James Dahl.

Cole has worked hard to bring out the best in his battery, and for his efforts he was praised by Mills.

Dahl, the incoming commander, previously served as the Gunner battalion Intelligence Officer and, most recently, as an Assistant Operations Officer. Dahl's hard work paid off, as he was afforded the opportunity to be a battery commander.

During his remarks, Mills stated, "Phil, I congratulate you for completing your command here in HHB/2-3 FA. Good luck to you as you move on to do wonderful things."

Mills completed his speech with some final words of wisdom for incoming commander Dahl.

"As I've shared with your fellow commanders, James, for us who are charged to lead our Soldiers of tomorrow, this means we must produce the right Soldiers with the right skills at the right time for a growing and transforming Army on the move with the goal of making our Army even more effective," Mills concluded.

The guidon was then passed from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.
Cole, the outgoing battery commander, then stepped up to the podium, addressing his troops one last time with heartfelt words.

Following Cole, Dahl stepped up to the podium to greet his battery as their new battery commander.

Dahl expressed his appreciation for the Gunner team.

After a few short remarks, Dahl took his place in the "Hellraiser" command team.

• Date Taken: 02.09.2010
• Date Posted: 02.09.2010 09:36
• Story ID: 45136
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ