ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The leadership of the Garrison's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison, APG changed hands during a Change of Command ceremony at Top of the Bay June 12 when outgoing Commander Capt. Maritzabel Mustafaa ceded leadership of the unit to Capt. Richard Mozeleski, a former intelligence officer with the 20th Support Command (CBRNE).
Garrison Commander Col. Gregory McClinton presided over the ceremony and led the passing of the colors from Mustafaa to Mozeleski assisted by HHC Garrison 1st Sgt. Paula Adams.
McClinton commended program organizers and Soldiers, and noted that the HHC Garrison is unique in its support of garrison, installation and tenant challenges, all of which were easily surmounted by Mustafaa. He welcomed Mozeleski and his Family, commenting, "I expect nothing but your best and have confidence that you will continue to raise the bar of excellence."
Mustafaa called the day bittersweet and thanked God and the "extraordinary people" around her for seeing her through. She expressed special thanks to APG senior Leader, Maj. Gen. Robert Ferrell, former Garrison Commander, Col. Orlando Ortiz; and to McClinton, "for his leadership, mentorship, trust and support."
"I knew I had a leader who would let me fail but not let me be a failure," she said.
Mustafaa credited her successful tenure to the support of HHC Garrison Soldiers and civilians, her "Battle Buddy," Adams, the installation's command sergeants major and organization chiefs of staff as well as to her husband's "daily inspiration." She summed it up with her favorite catch phrase: "One team, one fight."
"Without this great Garrison team, this mission would not happen," she said.
Mozeleski thanked McClinton for the opportunity to lead the unit and promised tenant organizations he would do all in his power to support their missions.
"My door will always be open and my cell phone will always be on," he said.
Capt. Richard Mozeleski
Commander, HHC Garrison
Capt. Richard Mozeleski was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 2006. He transitioned to active duty in 2009. His past assignments include the ¾ Infantry, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Baumholder, Germany; Consolidated Fielding Center S-2, and SECFOR Platoon Leader, Camp Blackhorse, Afghanistan; executive officer, Company C, ¾ Infantry and battalion S-4, Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan; and WMD intelligence officer, 20th Support Command (CBRNE), APG Md.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Service medals.
Mozeleski's military education includes the National Intelligence Familiarization Course; Joint Combating WMD Planning Course; Military Intelligence Captain Career Course; Military Intelligence Officer Transition Course; Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course; Mechanized Leader Course and Stryker Leader Course.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University-University Park.
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