434th FA Brigade welcomes new commander

By Marie BerbereaJune 19, 2014

New commander
Col. Jose Thompson, incoming 434th Field Artillery Brigade commander, receives the brigade colors from Maj. Gen. John Rossi, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, June 12, 2014, during a change of command ceremony on Polo Field... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. June 19, 2014 -- Col. Jose Thompson received an unusual birthday present: command of 434th Field Artillery Brigade.

He received his new position during a change of command ceremony June 12 on Polo Field here.

"I think this is the greatest job on post. Jose is exactly the right leader to take over this great organization. I hope this is a good enough birthday present for you," said Col. Michael Dvoracek, outgoing 434th FA Brigade commander.

Maj. Gen. John Rossi, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, said Fort Sill has one of only four Basic Combat Training missions in the Army. He said Dvoracek has transformed civilian volunteers into disciplined, motivated and fit Soldiers, competent and confident, willing to live the Army Values during his command.

"Over 6 percent of our active Army force has passed under Mikes' care in these past two years. His leadership has ensured that those men and women and the ones you see before you today will make positive contributions not only to their organizations, but ultimately to our nation," said Rossi. "You leave the organization in peak performance. Be proud of that because we are."

Dvoracek thanked his wife and sons and Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Estep for reminding him they serve Soldiers, not the other way around.

"Today is about the over 23 million rounds of ammunition; over 56,000 hand grenades delivered by the ammo platoon and the training accomplished with this ammo by our instructors and drill sergeants. It's about the direct leadership of 71 battery commanders, 51 first sergeants, 10 battalion commanders, eight sergeants major and three detachment commanders. It's about the 71 civilians who kept the faith with us through the difficulties of the last year. And, it's about the 571 drill sergeants who trained and cared for that most precious gift America's sons and daughters, husbands and wives they were given. Because most importantly, it's about them. It's about the 35,030 who started their journey here," said Dvoracek.

Soldiers on the parade field represented 11 percent of those in 434th FA Brigade, while the rest continued to train.

"I know the future of our Army is bright because of these phenomenal Soldiers, civilians, leaders and their families. To each and every one of you, I'm humbled by this experience. I would've been honored to merely stand among your ranks. To be able to stand in front of you as your commander has been the greatest privilege I could've dreamed of," said Dvoracek.

Dvoracek is taking over as the assistant commandant for the Field Artillery School.

Thompson is changing roles from the director of the FCoE Sexual Harrassment, Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) office to shaping the Army's newest Soldiers.

"You now are charged with ensuring our great Army has young capable men and women serving in our formations. You will also give thousands of our future leaders their first impression of the Army. You only get one first impression and you own that," said Rossi.

"If I tried to thank every person who has coached, mentored, trained or invested something in me along the way, I'd still be standing here two years from now at the end of my command tour. So I'll just say one thank you to the literally thousands of leaders and Soldiers who have had a part over the past 23 years. Trust me when I say no one is more surprised than me to be standing here today," said Thompson.

He said he is committed to the daily development and investment in the future of the Army by "building lethal, resilient, ethical warriors who are the future guardians of the nation."