ROSE BARRACKS, Germany -- The 2d Cavalry Regiment conducted a Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremony while also activating the Regimental Engineer Squadron at Rose Barracks, Germany on July 15, 2014.
As a reviewer of the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Longo, U.S. Army Europe Deputy Commanding General, talked of his admiration for the 2 CR.
"This is my last change of command before I retire from the Army," said Longo. "And it is an honor to do it with this Regiment, the 2d Cavalry Regiment."
During his speech, Longo shared part of a conversation that he had with the departing 77th Regimental Commander, Col. Douglas A. Sims II, before the ceremony.
"I asked Col. Sims if there was any particular accomplishment of his that he wanted me to talk about and he was very clear with his reply, 'No, sir,' he said. 'Do not put the focus on me, put the focus on my Soldiers, my leaders and their families,'" said Longo. "That's the response I expected from the most professional commander I've worked with."
Sims echoed Longo's comments.
"Today, the Dragoons on our field represent all that is good in our country, all that is good in our military, and all that is good in Bavaria," said Sims. "It is an honor, beyond words, to have been able to call myself a member of this formation."
As the Troops said goodbye to Sims, they also gave a warm welcome to the new 78th Regimental Commander, Col. John V. Meyer II, who also emphasized his commitment to the Troops and their families.
"Today's ceremony represents not only a change of authority in command but, more importantly, a transition of responsibility to the Dragoons, their families and our country," said Meyer. "And to be able to provide the best leadership to accomplish the mission while still caring for our Dragoons and their family members."
Along with the Regimental change of command, all six squadrons participated in their own Change of Command Ceremonies, where the new commanders for the squadrons assumed command of their Troops.
The new commanders are Lt. Col. Michael C. Manner, 1st Squadron; Lt. Col. Theodore A. Johnson, 2nd Squadron; Lt. Col. Timothy P. Payment, 3rd Squadron; Lt. Col. Jonathan L. Due, 4th Squadron; Lt. Col. Deric J. Holbrook, Fires Squadron and Lt. Col. Joseph Williams Jr., Regimental Support Squadron.
During the ceremony, the unit's newest squadron was activated, the Regimental Engineer Squadron. The RES's commander is Lt. Col. Alexander G. Deraney and the senior enlisted advisor for the squadron is Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis D. Hopkins.
There was also a change of responsibility held for the 29th Regimental Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Wilbert E. Engram Jr., as he turned the command of his Troops over to the incoming 30th Regimental Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Martin S. Celestine.
While speaking to the Regiment, Engram relayed his sentiments about leaving and his time with the unit.
"I remain absolutely passionate about being a Soldier," said Engram. "You all helped me to seek ways to get better each and every day."
As the ceremony ended, Meyer made sure to remind those in attendance that the sacrifices of the few have not been forgotten by the many.
"Take pride in your Regiment. The longest serving Regiment in the United States Army," said Meyer. "Always remember your Regiment."
For more photos of the ceremony go to our Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/dragoon2scr/sets/72157645712313135/
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