HONOLULU - 100th Infantry ‘Go for Broke’ battalion, 303rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 9th Mission Support Command, held a change of command ceremony, June 22, at Fort Shafter Flats, U.S. Army Reserve Daniel K. Inouye Complex.
Lt. Col. Matthew L. Cloud, a native of Illinois, received command of the 100th Inf. Bn. from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Kenneth Tafao upon the completion of the ‘passing of colors’, which symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility over an organization.
Cloud, whose military journey included assignments in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Army National Guard of Illinois, and U.S. Army Reserve, said the ‘Go for Broke’ battalion was the only unit he listed on his command selection board request.
Cloud, who also served in many other leadership positions including senior military science instructor for the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Washington University in St. Louis, and at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Ill., considered taking command of the 100th Inf. Bn. as a significantly prodigious milestone.
“To the ‘Go for Broke’ Soldiers,” he said, “it is an extreme honor to be your commander and stand before you today.” “Every day on this earth is a remarkable opportunity to spend time enjoying our lives in our communities and with our families,” he continued. “Unfortunately, there are many global challenges that are in contradiction to those values and their safety,” he said, “I ask this of you, be lethal, and be ready to fight and win in a complex environment.”
Cloud also thanked Tafao and shared his appreciation for the warm welcome he received.
“You have more than accommodated me with our transition,” he said. “I sincerely appreciate the time that you have invested in taking me around to the training areas, meeting the Soldiers, observing the live fires, and just generally being a professional officer and Soldier.” “Good luck in your future endeavors and never let up on your ‘Go for Broke’ attitude,” he added.
On order, 100th Inf. Bn. closes with and destroys enemy forces using fire and maneuver in support of unified land operations within the Pacific Command area of operation. The 100th Inf. Bn., U.S. Army Reserve, assumes the responsibility for attaining a maximum state of readiness in the event of mobilization.
During his speech, Tafao recognized the tremendous strides in the battalion’s overall combat readiness and mission success’ in the past two years, that included partnership with 3rd Brigade Inf. Combat Team for Lighting Forge, Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 15-07, participation in Yama Sakura 71 and Croix du Sud 17’, multiple annual training events at Pohakuloa Training Area, and multiple mortar live-fire exercises with 29th Inf. Brigade Combat Team.
Tafao went on to thank the Soldiers of the 100th Inf. Bn. for their dedication and commitment to their communities and the preservation of the battalion’s legacy.
“The current state of the battalion is due to your efforts, your commitment, and your sacrifices, he told them. “I know that you will all continue to represent the battalion proudly, ‘Go for Broke!’”
Col. Joseph A. Ricciardi, 303rd MEB commander, and reviewing officer of ceremony, praised Tafao on his leadership and fortitude during his tenure.
“He has done it under an extremely high up-tempo,” said Ricciardi. “Supporting missions around the pacific, managing relationships with the 25th Inf. Div., Hawaii Army National Guard, and various organizations that support the 100th Bn., and countless meetings and times away from home.”
Turning his focus to Cloud, Ricciardi wished Cloud all the success that Tafao has had, and said he had no doubt that the 100th Inf. Bn. Soldiers are in good hands with Cloud.