BAUMHOLDER, Germany – After two years in command of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, outgoing Commander, Col. Michelle K. Donahue and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank M. Graham Jr., formally relinquished their authority and responsibilities of the Knights Brigade to Col. Scott B. Kindberg and Command Sgt. Maj. Jacqueline Becerra, during a dual Change of Command/Responsibility ceremony, June 25.
In keeping with the highest of military tradition, the passing of the unit colors was conducted during the ceremony. The colors not only represent the lineage and honor of the unit, but also loyalty and unity of the Soldiers.
Graham, the senior enlisted advisor and custodian of the colors, passed the unit colors to Donahue, signifying his last act of allegiance to the commander and the brigade. Donahue passed the colors to Maj. Gen. Steven A. Shapiro, commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, signifying that the brigade is never without officer leadership. Shapiro then passed the colors to Kindberg, signifying the passing of his trust and the responsibilities of the brigade and its colors. Assuming command, Kindberg then passed the colors to Becerra, signifying the confidence that the commander places in the Noncommissioned Officer Corps and also Becerra’s first act of allegiance to her new commander and the brigade.
Shapiro, the guest speaker of the event, took to the lectern and addressed the guest.
“We’re bidding farewell to Col. Michelle Donahue and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Graham,” said Shapiro. “One of the great command teams I’ve had the opportunity to work within the last 34 years. They have an unfailing commitment not just to the mission, not just to USAREUR (U.S. Army Europe), or 21st TSC, but to the Soldiers you see here in the parade field.”
As he looked at the Knights Brigade Soldiers proudly standing in formation, he stated that this is the biggest Sustainment Brigade in the Army.
“Frankly there’s no better sustainment brigade in the Army right now than the 16th Sustainment Brigade,” Shapiro said. “They do strategic support, operational support, tactical support. They are opening ports in Belgium…, so from strategic to operational and tactical, nobody does it better.”
He explained that the successes of the brigade for the past two years was due to the amazing leadership of Col. Donahue and Command Sgt. Maj. Graham.
“I thank you both, for not just the mission you’ve done, but for being a part of the TSC Family, for developing leaders of character, adaptive leaders, agile leaders,” said Shapiro.
Donahue addressed the guests and the Knights Brigade formation to give thanks to those who supported her throughout her time and even preceding her command.
“Colonel and Mrs. Kindberg, Scott and Heather, you are inheriting the best and the largest Sustainment Brigade in the United States Army,” said Donahue. “I can think of no better team, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Becerra, to continue to challenge this formation. To light that fire in our Soldiers, to excel, to think big, to find their way, to stay on the right bus and to fight together to deter our adversaries.”
Donahue faced her most trusted advisor and friend, Graham, and spoke a few meaningful parting words.
“Thank you for being my left arm, my battle buddy, and my partner in crime during our many trips across Europe,” said Donahue. “You inspired excellence and promoted trust.”
She continued saying that he knew the standard, lived the standard and enforced the standard.
“Words cannot describe the impact you have had on this brigade or how much our friendship has meant to me over the last two years,” said Donahue. “You and Patricia will forever be part of the Donahue family.”
Shapiro concluded by saying, “Scott, Command Sgt. Maj. Beccera, you’ve got very big shoes to fill, but you have my and the command teams complete trust and confidence.” “These Soldiers will go where you lead them, this is the finest brigade and so we welcome you to the team.”