MI Reserve unit changes command

By Ms. Joan B Vasey (Huachuca)November 24, 2015

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Stephen T. Burcham, incoming commander, Headquarters, 1st Brigade, Military Intelligence, 100th Training Division, receives the unit colors from Brig. Gen. Jason L. Walrath, commanding general, 100th Training Division (Operation Support), while ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Prior to the Headquarters, 1st Brigade, Military Intelligence, 100th Training Division change of command ceremony Nov. 13 on Brown Parade Field, Elizabeth Wulfhorst, wife of Col. Kevin C. Wulfhorst, outgoing commander, was presented with red roses to... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Stephen T. Burcham, incoming commander, Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 100th Training Division, speaks to those assembled for the ceremony Nov. 13 on Brown Parade Field. He expressed his good fortune at being selected as the incoming commander of th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- Headquarters, 1st Brigade, Military Intelligence, 100th Training Division, part of the U.S. Army Reserve, changed command Nov. 13 on Fort Huachuca's historic Brown Parade Field.

Col. Kevin C. Wulfhorst, outgoing commander, passed the reins to Col. Stephen T. Burcham, incoming commander.

Prior to the ceremony, red roses were presented to Elizabeth Wulfhorst to symbolize her dedication and ongoing devotion to the brigade. Charlene Burcham, wife of the incoming commander, received yellow roses as a token of friendship and welcoming her to the brigade.

"Wherever the commander is, there are the colors," said the event narrator, adding that the custodian of the colors was the unit command sergeant major, the senior enlisted Soldier of the unit and principal advisor to the commander. These colors are the commander's symbol of authority, representing his responsibility to the organization.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mary E. McCloskey passed the colors to Wulfhorst for the last time. Then, Wulfhorst passed the colors to Brig. Gen. Jason L. Walrath, commanding general, 100th Training Division (Operation Support), relinquishing his responsibility for the command. Walrath passed the colors to Burcham, charging him, the new commander, with the same responsibility and authority held by the departing Wulfhorst.

Following the formal transition of leadership, Walrath addressed the outgoing and incoming commanders.

"I couldn't be prouder of Colonel Wulforst and the folks of 1st Brigade. Quite simply, you made great things and routine things happen and happen well.

"Kevin, serving with you has certainly been a pleasure. I appreciate your commitment, your responsiveness in every matter, and your ability to take intent and turn it into action. You are truly a strategic leader and what you do in your role and responsibility influences the larger Army.

"… in your 26 years of service, you probably have the most extensive, the most comprehensive operational and professional development program that I have seen. … We'll see you out there in the big green machine."

The general then addressed the incoming commander.

"Steve, you have big shoes to fill, but as I understand, you may have big feet. Kevin has provided a solid foundation to continue to build on, and if you provide this very talented organization with strong leadership, adequate guidance and room to maneuver, there is certainly no end in what you can continue to accomplish.

"God bless you all," he said, after thanking the entire battalion for their accomplishments. "God bless America, and God bless those who gave it all."

Wulfhorst then said his final farewells.

"I'm lucky to have been given the chance to serve as the brigade commander of 1st Brigade, MI. Not many officers get this opportunity and it's been the best two-and-a-half years of my 29-year Army career. I'm lucky to have had the most dedicated and professional staff in the Army Reserve," he said, citing some of the reasons why.

Incoming commander Burcham then made his remarks.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead 1st Brigade," he said. "As a career MI officer, I cannot think of a better unit to command especially at this time in transition in the Army and in the Army Reserves.

"Readiness is a number-one priority … that is the readiness we're looking for."