Baghdad -- (June 23, 2016) Soldiers from the 922nd Contracting Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony June 9 to welcome their new commander.
Lt. Col. Justin Schaeffer assumed command from Lt. Col. Robert McDonald Jr. in a ceremony officiated by Brig. Gen. John Novalis II, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Deputy Division Commander - Support.
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Commander, Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, also attended the ceremony.
Novalis opened the ceremony recognizing McDonald's accomplishments during his command.
"Your steady and positive leadership, you set a great example and you should be proud of your accomplishments," Novalis said. "You're passion and pride in the 'pillars of readiness' is evident in everything they accomplished. It is your direct leader engagement that set the foundation for a successful command."
He finished his comments by welcoming Schaeffer to the battalion.
"I know he will carry on the legacy of discipline, caring, and self-sacrifice that makes our Army strong," Novalis said. "I look forward to working with you in the future."
During his speech, McDonald highlighted the relationship the battalion shared with the 101st Airborne Division and the tremendous accomplishments achieved during their previous deployment to Liberia in support of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. humanitarian assistance efforts to the western Africa's Ebola epidemic, and their current deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. McDonald will be attending The Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C.
"It has truly been an honor and privilege to command the 922nd CBN," McDonald said.
"Ultimately, the success of an organization results from the courage and commitment of its Soldiers," McDonald said. "I would be remiss not to thank the Soldiers of the 922nd CBN and RCC-Operation Inherent Resolve, who work tirelessly in the charge of their duties to ensure that the Soldiers and our coalition partners have the necessary equipment and support to stand ready to fulfill their mission."
Then, McDonald thanked Sgt. Maj. Andrea Daily, the 922nd CBN sergeant major.
"I couldn't have asked for a better sergeant major," McDonald said. "You have lived up to the NCO Creed and always provided the outstanding leadership our Soldiers are entitled, and to the parents of America's sons and daughters expect. Thank you."
McDonald addressed the incoming commander and stated, "The Army has chosen wisely in the selection of my successor, Lt. Col. Justin Schaeffer. I am confident that his leadership, vigor and vision will take this battalion to newfound heights. I welcome you and your family to the unit, and wish you success in this mission, and in its future endeavors under your leadership and command."
McDonald closed his address telling the crowd how fortunate he was to be part of something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
"It's an honor to be a part of the team," said Schaeffer following McDonald's remarks. "I understand the privilege it is to command, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve and support the warfighter."
The 922nd CBN is a subordinate unit of the 419th Contracting Support Brigade at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Col. Carol Tschida is the 419th CSB commander. The unit is deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. The 419th CSB is one of three brigades and a field directorate office that comprise the Mission and Installation Contract Command. Headquartered at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the MICC consists of more than 1,500 military and civilian members responsible for contracting for Soldiers. In fiscal 2015, the command executed more than 36,000 contract actions valued at more than $5.2 billion across the Army, including $2.25 billion to American small businesses. The command also managed more than 600,000 Government Purchase Card Program transactions in fiscal 2015 valued at an additional $747 million.
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