OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Col. Thomas Nguyen relinquished command of the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Dragons to Col. Mark Holler during a change of command ceremony here, June 24.
As the only forward-stationed air defense brigade in the Army, the unit plays a key role in defending critical U.S. and ROK assets, deterring hostile aggression, and promoting stability in the region.
Nguyen assumed command of the Dragon Brigade in July of 2013, overseeing all air and missile defense operations on the Korean Peninsula, and immediately dedicated his efforts to ensuring training, equipment, and Soldier readiness were the unit's top priorities.
"Col. Nguyen's tenure as commander of the Dragon Brigade has been marked by unwavering commitment to their mission," said Lt. Gen Bernard Champoux, commanding general of the Eighth Army. "This unit has maintained the highest operational rhythm of any air defense unit in the Army and [Nguyen] has delivered remarkable performance time and time again."
The changing of command was completed, following the traditions and rich heritage of the U.S. Army, by a ceremony known as the "passing of the colors." Historically, a unit's colors, also known as its guidon, served as a rallying point for troops and symbolized the strength and character of the unit.
The 35th ADA Brigade guidon passed from Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Villarreal, the senior enlisted advisor to the brigade commander, to Nguyen, symbolizing his loyalty to the outgoing commander. Nguyen then handed the guidon to Champoux, representing his relinquishment of command to a higher authority. Champoux then passed the colors to Holler, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility to the incoming commander.
Holler comes to Korea from Fort Bliss, Texas where he served as the assistant chief of staff, G3 of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Holler, a native of Jacksonville, Florida and recent Distinguished Graduate from the U.S. Army War College, expressed his gratitude for the privilege of leading the brigade.
"It is a proud and humbling experience to serve with the premier air defense unit in the Army," said Holler. "I am truly blessed to be among you and serve as your commander."
The passing of colors concluded when Holler handed the colors back to Villarreal, representing the concept that, although commanders change, the unit's colors remain with the dedicated Soldiers of the unit, Soldiers that Nguyen said he was honored to have led.
"Our officers, noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers have met every one of our goals and have never let me down," said Nguyen in his farewell remarks. "They have been the most professional and dedicated Soldiers I have ever witnessed."
Col. Nguyen's next assignment takes him to Huntsville, Alabama where he takes over as the chief of staff at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
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