Fort Leonard Wood's 1st Engineer Brigade welcomed their new commanding officer in a ceremony Tuesday on Gammon Field.
Col. Heather Warden replaced Col. Daniel Larsen as leader of the unit that is home of the Sappers.
"Not many are aware of the immense responsibility of this brigade," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Funkhouser, U.S. Army Engineer School commandant. "1st Engineer Special Brigade will train nearly 13,000 engineer Soldiers and leaders in FY14 across all three components, affecting the force in all 50 states and across all of the Army's divisions."
Funkhouser said he knows Warden will take the brigade and regiment to the next level with her leadership and passion for Soldiers.
"The Army has a tremendous system in place to pick the best and brightest," Funkhouser said. "I know we are in great hands based on my time (spent) with Heather in Afghanistan, where she commanded the infamous 864th Engr. Battalion. She was absolutely fearless going off the operating bases with her Soldiers into some of the most dangerous regions of southern Afghanistan."
Warden thanked Maj. Gen. Leslie Smith, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and Funkhouser for the opportunity to command the brigade.
"Thank you for your trust and confidence in me to allow me to command 1st Engineer Special Brigade," Warden said. "It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve beneath such a passionate organization. Ronald and I are excited to serve in the Fort Leonard Wood community."
Warden is coming to Fort Leonard Wood from the National War College in Washington, D.C.
Funkhouser thanked Larsen, who is going to the Joint Force Command in Korea, for creating a culture of dignity and respect within the brigade.
"You have left a tremendous impact not just in the brigade but across the Army," Funkhouser said. "Your focus and enthusiasm for the Army, Soldiers and Families have yielded great results, and I am proud to serve with you."
Larsen said that, as engineers, it is their job to free the maneuver commander from the tyranny of the terrain and the enemy, and it starts here on Fort Leonard Wood.
"Before you stands the pride of the Engineers, cadre and Soldiers representing the vast capabilities and knowledge of the regiment," Larsen said. "Day in and day out, professional DA civilians stand beside them in units and training divisions throughout the brigade."
Warden was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1991 from Emby-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla. She has a bachelor of science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and masters of science degrees in Engineering Management, Military Arts and Science and National Security Strategy.
Warden has served in various command and staff positions in the U.S. and Germany.
She has also served tours in Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Social Sharing