Photo By Jerry Merideth | New Marketing and Engagement Brigade Commander, Col. Mason D. Thompson (center, left)...... read more read more
The U.S. Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade held a Combined Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremony, June 26, at Flagg Field on Fort Knox, Kentucky, where the brigade officially welcomed new commander, Col. Mason Thompson, and Command Sergeant Major Kevin P. Johnson took over as the unit’s new senior enlisted advisor.
Before the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Johnny Davis, the commander of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, presented outgoing brigade commander, Col. Karen Rutka and departing Command Sgt. Major Ulises Morel with the Legion of Merit, commending the duo for their leadership and dedication to the brigade’s mission and its personnel over the last two years. Army Enterprise Marketing Office Commander, Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant provided remarks during the presentation.
“The title of commander, and the authority that goes with it, is the single greatest honor and leadership responsibility that can be bestowed on a military officer,” Gant said. “The Marketing and Engagement Brigade serves a vital purpose for out Army’s recruiting mission, directly engaging the American People to build the Army of the future. These direct engagements provide an opportunity to demonstrate elite Army skills, shows, and exhibits. Their teams travel more than 750,000 miles each year to events all across the country, with the intention of ‘Connecting America’s People with America’s Army.’”
USAMEB is part of AEMO and includes the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit from Fort Benning, Georgia, the U.S. Army Parachute Team based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and the U.S. Army Mission Support Battalion located with brigade headquarters at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
In remarks during the change of command, Rutka highlighted the resilience of the brigade and addressed the incoming brigade commander and command sergeant major.
“Mason, I am very excited for you and CSM Johnston,” Rutka said. “I think you are poised to drastically improve on the great work already done by this brigade. I am excited to watch the MEB continue to connect and engage with the American public.”
Outgoing Command Sergeant Maj. Morel also addressed the brigade’s resilience.
“Col. Thompson and Command Sergeant Maj. Johnston, you are stepping into the best brigade in the Army, ” Morel said. “This brigade is filled with exceptional Soldiers, professionals who are not only committed to the mission but also to the people around them,” Morel said. “You will lead a formation that is bold, innovative and relentlessly passionate about connecting America’s people with America’s Army.”
As the new brigade Command Sgt. Major, Johnston thanked Morel for his support of the brigade during his two-year tenure.
“Thank you for all you have done for the MEB and myself,” Johnston said.
The new MEB command sergeant major also lauded the brigade troops on the field.
“I truly appreciate the time and attention you’ve put into this ceremony. Moreover, I appreciate what you do, day in and day out, to sustain the all-volunteer force,” Johnston said.
Thompson credited Rutka for her leadership that included a diverse team of Soldiers and civilians at work across the country each day.
“Karen, immediately upon slating to this brigade, I encountered a consistent theme – your team is second to none,” Thompson said. “This has been the best transition of my career. That is a testament to your leadership and selflessness.”
Rutka moves on to become the Chief of Staff at U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox while Morel moves on to duties at the Pentagon.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2025 15:05 |
| Story ID: | 501722 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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