3/405th AFSB Hosts Change of Command Ceremony

By Ms. Jennifer Leigh King (AMC)July 8, 2008

Passing of Colors
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ol. Bobby Ray Pinkston (right), commander of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade, passes the battalion colors to incoming commander Lt. Col.
Roger McCreery (left), symbolizing the command's faith in McCreery's leadership. Lt. Col. Harvey Robinson, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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Cutting the cake
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SECKENHEIM, GERMANY - The 3rd Battalion of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) hosted a change of command ceremony on July 2 at Leghorn Army Depot on Camp Darby, Italy, during which Lt. Col. Roger McCreery took command from Lt. Col. Harvey Robinson.

The ceremony, which was commanded by Col. Bobby Ray Pinkston, commander of the 405th AFSB, was a heartfelt ceremony during which the outgoing commander praised his battalion for all of their endeavors during his tenure.

"Everybody in the battalion contributed to the success of the battalion, no matter what your job was, because it took everyone coming together to meet the mission," Robinson said. "Everyone here made a difference!"

Robinson continued his speech by echoing the words of previous Army leaders.

"Like Gen. Retired Shinseki said, you must love those you lead before you can be an effective leader," he concluded. "It was an honor to serve as your battalion commander, and it remains an honor to serve in the United States Army. Most of all, it was an honor to serve here in Italy with great people."

Robinson's appreciation for the Italian workforce was reciprocated wholeheartedly by his workforce.

"He was not a commander of people," said Emma Sardella, who works in quality assurance for the battalion. "He was a people's commander. He always made us feel like we were the reason for any success."

As the battalion bid farewell to Robinson, Pinkston spoke on the significance of change of command ceremonies.

"This is a solemn and serious event, but also a joyous and happy one," Pinkston said. "We never forget a comrade who has departed us, but likewise, we never hesitate to welcome a new comrade to our family. One leader departs, another arrives, and the Army continues its mission."

Pinkston also commended Robinson for his service and welcomed McCreery to the brigade family.

"I would like to express my personal gratitude to Lt. Col. Harvey Robinson," Pinkston continued. "His accomplishments in transforming the depot, while providing flawless support to the American Soldier have been truly commendable....Lt. Col. Roger McCreery has a tough act to follow, but I know he is up to the task. He is ready for the assignment, and we are ready for him."

McCreery's official photo and biography are available upon request.