Photo By Maj. Patrick Montandon | US Army Col. Teonnie Dotson, commander of the 113th Sustainment Brigade relinquishes...... read more read more
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McLeansville, NC – The threat of rain on July 12, 2026, didn’t stop the 113th Sustainment Brigade from holding a momentous event combining the reflagging, change of responsibility, and change of command ceremonies, as they assumed their new designation as the 29th Division Sustainment Brigade. The occasion was not just a routine changeover of leadership; it was the transition from one historic chapter of logistical operations in the North Carolina National Guard to another, now under a legendary division.
“While the name on the patch may change, the character, discipline and the pride that defines this organization must never change,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Darren Lewis, outgoing command sergeant major for the brigade. “Carry forward the legacy of excellence that you built and continue to set the standard for every unit that follows.”
Several previous senior leaders of the 113th Steel Brigade were in attendance. They were recognized early in the ceremony and took one final photo together in front of the 113th Steel Brigade colors, soon to be cased. “It warms my heart to see so many of our previous commanders and sergeants major return today for this ceremony to share it with us,” said Col. Teonnie Dotson, outgoing commander for the sustainment brigade. “That means a lot.”
Dotson, the STEEL 6 commander, alongside Lewis, the STEEL 7 commander, carefully furlled the 113th colors, placing the canvas sheath over the flag that had represented their heritage for years. The brigade originated in 1974 as a Field Artillery Brigade and was reformed as the 113th Sustainment Brigade in 2008.
The new colors were then uncased bearing the distinctive yin-yang insignia of the 29th Infantry Division. The insignia symbolizes national reunification as the unit was originally formed with both Union and Confederate forces. The sustainment brigade’s legacy of excellence in logistics will now continue under the iconic "Blue and Gray" division. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Samulski and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Saxton, 29th Infantry Division commander and command sergeant major, respectively, replaced Dotson and Lewis’ patches with the new shoulder sleeve insignia, welcoming them to the team.
The ceremony continued with the new colors unfurled. The change of responsibility passed the duties of senior enlisted leader from Lewis to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Stacy Garner. Upon inspecting the iconic noncommissioned officer sword, Lewis passed the saber to Dotson, signifying the relinquishment of his duties over the last three years.
“I want to thank everyone that came before me that paved the way. It made me who I am today,” said Lewis. “To the Soldiers. Thank you for being who you are… During these last three years we trained together, solved problems together, celebrated victories together and worked through challenges… Those accomplishments belong to you.”
Garner accepted her new role with complete commitment and a recognition of the significant lineage they add to their unit.
“Standing before you today, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and profound humility,” said Garner. “As we align ourselves under the prestigious 29th Infantry Division, we do not lose our history; we elevate it. The blue and gray patch now proudly on our shoulders means that we are the critical lifeline of one of the most storied divisions in our military’s history.”
Then came the change of command, passing charge of the mission from one colonel to another. Dotson passed the new colors to the presiding officer, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Cristina Moore, Deputy Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard, who in turn entrusted them to the incoming commander, Col. Kimberly Graham. In doing so, Graham accepted accountability for the mission, the equipment, and the lives of the soldiers before her.
“Sergeant Major Lewis, Colonel Dotson, thank you so much for the leadership that you have provided to the sustainment brigade to bring them to this point,” said Moore. “I can’t imagine two greater leaders that we can put in front of this unit as they go forward with their mission,” said Moore, speaking of the new STEEL 6 and 7.
Dotson expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the many parties involved in the success of the brigade. Bidding farewell, she emphasized the professionalism of the Soldiers in the Steel Brigade that she had come to love. “Sustainers are the heartbeat that keeps the force moving forward,” said Dotson. “While others may receive the spotlight, sustainers quietly overcome changing conditions and find a way to make the mission happen.” “For the last time, Steel 6, out!” saluted Dotson.
Regardless of 37 years of military service, the incoming commander still acknowledged that “Military service is never an individual endeavor,” said Graham. “Together we will honor the proud history of the Steel Brigade while forging the future of the 29th Division Sustainment Brigade.”
The ceremony ended with its new colors and experienced leadership officially in place. As the formations marched off the field, the soldiers were ready to write the first pages of their new history.
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2026 20:55 |
| Story ID: | 571598 |
| Location: | MCLEANSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 10 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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