BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Lt. Col. Marvin L. Walker assumed command of the 401st Army Field Support Battalion--Bagram from Lt. Col. Todd W. Burnley, Dec. 28, in a ceremony presided by Col. Edward J. Burke.
Burke, the 401st Army Field Support Brigade commander, welcomed Walker to the team and thanked Burnley for leading the logistics battalion consisting of approximately 4,100 Soldiers, civilians and contractors during the past year.
"It is my honor and great privilege to participate in the passing of command responsibility between two magnificent leaders--Lt. Col. Todd Burnley and Lt. Col. Marvin Walker," Burke said. "While it is difficult to say goodbye to Lt. Col. Burnley, the good news is that the Army selected and equally qualified and outstanding Soldier to lead the battalion into the future. Lt. Col. Marvin Walker is a combat-tested leader and Army Materiel Command alum who is fully prepared to build on Todd's accomplishments," Burke said about the incoming commander.
Burke praised Burnley for his accomplishments during his time as commander of AFSBn-Bagram and dedication to his team.
"Lt. Col. Todd Burnley has been the Bagram battalion's proud leader and champion for over a year and he and his team have accomplished much in that short period of time. In just over 12 months, Todd and his team met the ever evolving needs of combat commanders; planned, coordinated and successfully executed the receipt, redistribution and shipment of theater provided equipment of 12 brigades. Yet with all his spectacular accomplishments, I believe Todd's greatest success was his focus on taking care of our Army's greatest treasures--our Soldiers and citizens."
Walker, who previously served as division chief for the Industrial Hardware Directorate, Defense Logistics Agency--Troop Support in Philadelphia, Pa., thanked Burke and Burnley for paving the way for the battalion's future success.
"Col. Burke thank you for the opportunity to serve under your leadership for the next year," Walker said. "Lt. Col. Burnley, I'm in awe of what you have accomplished during your time here, and I wish you good will in your future endeavors."
Burnley, who is headed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff J-4 at the Pentagon, thanked 401st AFSB leadership, the AFSBn-Bagram team and his wife for their dedication and support during his time in command.
"I want to thank Col. Burke, Command Sgt. Odoms and Col. Paget and Command Sgt. Maj. Chavez for their mentorship during the past year. I want to thank everyone in the battalion for their hard work and dedication to the mission. We have been blessed with such a tremendous group of military, Department of the Army Civilians, and contractors and it has been amazing to watch everyone work together to achieve our goals," Burnley said. "I want to thank my wife, Staci, for giving me the opportunity to deploy while she stayed at home taking care of everything."
Burnley also wished Walker well as he starts his journey as commander of AFSBn--Bagram.
"I wish Lt. Col. Walker, his wife Lillie, and his three sons all the best," Burnley said. "You are a tremendous leader, surrounded by an incredible team and I am sure you will accomplish every mission in front of you."
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