FORT STEWART, Ga. -The 26th Brigade Support Battalion “Challenger”, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, welcomed Lt. Col. Beth A. Behn, a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, as their new battalion commander with a change of command ceremony held at Cottrell Field, Jan. 9.
“I am deeply honored to have the privilege to command this organization,” Lt. Col. Behn said. “An organization with a proud history, a reputation for excellence, and is respected across the Army.”
Most recently, Lt. Col. Behn served as an assistant professor in the history department at the U.S. Military Academy West Point.
“Teaching at West Point has allowed me to work with future lieutenants,” Lt. Col. Behn said. “Leader development is one of my top priorities.”
Lt. Col. Behn is taking command as Lt. Col. Thomas J. Cunningham, a native of assumes the role of 2nd BCT deputy commanding officer. Lt. Col. Cunningham was the commander of the 26th BSB since Jan. of 2010.
Brig. Gen. John H. Hort, the deputy commanding rear of the 3rd ID and a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, participated in the change of command ceremony and spoke about his experiences dealing with both outgoing and incoming commanders of the 26th BSB.
“[Lt. Col. Behn] is a seasoned combat veteran and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Challenger team,” said Brig. Gen. Hort.
“In the time that I have known Tom, I can truthfully say, that he epitomizes what we look for in the Army’s sustainment leaders: always anticipating, always ready, doesn’t know the meaning of ‘no’, and cares deeply about the soldiers and families under his command,” Brig. Gen. Hort said.
“Both, Lt. Col. Cunningham and his wife Rose, have just done a tremendous job of developing the battalion and building a strong Challenger family,” Lt. Col. Behn said. “I am grateful to be walking into those kinds of conditions.”
“[Lt. Col. Cunningham] has led the battalion through significant challenges,” Lt. Col. Behn said. “He has, from everything that I can see, built a great unit.”
Building upon that foundation, Lt. Col Behn plans on making the ‘Challenger’ family even stronger by focusing on programs that develop a leader’s skills such as noncommissioned officer and officer professional development programs and training management.
“Discipline is our bedrock,” Lt. Col. Behn said. “Discipline is the core of everything. It is the starting point.”
“Moving forward, first and foremost, we are a support battalion and we support 2nd Brigade” Lt. Col. Behn said. “It is why we exist and it’s what we are here for.”