The 'Imperial' Brigade change of command

11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Story by Capt. Jason Koontz

Date: 08.30.2012
Posted: 09.01.2012 03:59
News ID: 94120
Maj. Gen. Cheek arrives for the 11th ADA change of command

Southwest Asia— The 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade held a change of command ceremony in an undisclosed location here Thursday, during which Col. Reginald R. Davis, outgoing commander of the 11th Brigade, relinquished command to Col. Clement S. Coward Jr.

The change of command ceremony is a long standing Army tradition. The ceremony symbolizes the transition of command authority from one commander to the next.

Prior to the change of command, Brig. Gen. James H. Dickinson, the commander of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, presented the Legion of Merit Award to Col. Davis in recognition of his hard work, dedication and sacrifice.

The 11th Brigade Command Element is currently deployed in Southwest Asia. Davis has been in command of the 11th BDE for the past two years, and has developed a special bond with the unit.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve with the outstanding soldiers of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade for the past twenty six months! I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of each and every soldier. The service of the soldiers and their selfless dedication can never be repaid.” said Davis.

Col. Davis is a native of Sumter, S.C., and a 1986 graduate of The Citadel. He has served in the Air Defense community for his entire career. Col. Davis, and his wife Eugenia, will be moving to Washington, D.C. where he will begin his next assignment as a member of the Joint staff.

Col. Coward was born in Colon, Panama and moved to the United States in 1967 where he became a naturalized citizen. In 1988, he received his Bachelors degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he also commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery Officer. Col. Coward holds two master's degrees. The first in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and the second in Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

Col. Coward looks forward to the challenges of taking command of a brigade while being deployed.

“It’s great to be back serving with the Imperial Brigade! I look forward to building upon the successes of our soldiers and leaders and to continuing my service with the Air Defense Task Force and with CENTCOM.” said Coward.

Col. Coward and his family arrived at Fort Bliss in June of 2012. They moved here from The Army Carlisle Barracks where Coward completed a master's degree at the U.S. Army War College. Once the family’s quarters had been established, Col. Coward left for Southwest Asia.

Col. Coward and his wife Jody have been married for 23 years. The couple has two children, Christopher and Kaitlin.

The change of command ceremony was attended by the ARCENT Deputy Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Cheek, the 32nd AAMDC Commander, Brig. Gen. Dickinson, the 379th AEW Commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Watkins, the 32nd AAMDC Command Sgt. Maj., Command Sgt. Maj. Ross, and the 379th AEW Chief Master Sgt., Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Wicks. Representatives from each of the 11th Brigade Battalions were also in attendance.