As the sweltering sun beat down on Fort Hood, four battalions stood resolute in the heat to commemorate the command of a great leader, as well as welcome in a new one.
The 89th Military Police Brigade’s incoming commander, Col. Richard J. Ball, assumed command from Col. Carl Lamar Parsons at Fort Hood, Texas July 18, 2018.
The brigade exercises mission command for four MP battalions, geographically dispersed across four Midwestern States in support of III Corps and United States Army Forces Command operations. The Soldiers of the 89th MP Brigade are proven in battle, and have deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During his final farewell speech, Parsons shared his pride in commanding the 89th Military Police Brigade.
“It has been an honor watching these Soldiers grow and prosper,” Parsons said. “As the years go by, I will continue to reminisce about these days, and be thankful for this opportunity to serve these soldiers,” he expressed. “Colonel Ball, my friend, I am honored that you are now Griffin Six.”
Ball has served over 24 years as an Army officer, and his prior assignment was Deputy Chief of Staff and U.S. Army Operations Military Staff of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command.
Ball, in his closing remarks, explained a couple of his guiding tenants.
“A little over 24 years ago, the finest noncommissioned officer I’ve ever known pinned my first bar on me,” Ball disclosed emotionally, pausing to collect himself. “He gave me a couple of directives: trust your NCOs, and they’ll take care of you. If you want to lead anyone, you have to be prepared to serve everyone. Dad, if you’re looking down right now, I acknowledge that advice. Let’s see where these next two years take us on our journey together.”