FORT HOOD, Texas - Marking the conclusion of a successful deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, the 4th Sustainment Brigade uncased its colors and welcomed a new leader into the Wrangler family Jan. 24.
The uncasing of a unit’s colors is a ceremonial tradition marking the official return from a deployment. The 4th Sust. Bde. was the last sustainment brigade in Iraq and was instrumental in the drawdown of U.S. Forces at the conclusion of Operation New Dawn.
“The soldiers in this brigade are true professionals,” said Col. Ronald Kirklin, the outgoing commander for the Wrangler Brigade, as he reflected on his time leading the brigade. “What they were able to accomplish in Iraq is historical and something that will always be special.”
Kirklin served as the commander since July 2009 and is now moving on to serve with U.S. Central Command.
Col. Mark Simerly assumed command of the brigade and said he’s inspired by the efforts of what the brigade had accomplished under the leadership of Kirklin.
"I'm just so inspired by what this team accomplished, and sitting back here from the vantage point of Fort Hood, I'm just amazed by the magnitude of the mission," said Simerly.