FORT BLISS, Texas - 15th Sustainment Brigade "Wagonmasters" officially joined Team Bliss as the brigade colors were uncased during an Uncasing Ceremony on Noel Field here Dec 8.
The brigade was joined by Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, Fort Bliss commanding general; the 15th Special Troops Battalion "Wranglers"; families and friends as the brigade and battalion uncased their colors establishing both the "Wagonmasters" and the "Wranglers" on Fort Bliss.
"Today the 15th Sustainment Brigade and the 15th Special Troops Battalion uncase their colors here at Fort Bliss, Texas signifying their relocation and support to Team Bliss," said Maj. Matthew Wadler, human resources officer in charge and San Jose, Calif. Native.
During the ceremony, Pittard spoke about the significance of the 15th Sust. Bde. becoming a part of Team Bliss.
"If the [Team Bliss] emblem doesn't include the 15th patch, it won't be Team Bliss," he said.
Col. James Ryan, who came to Fort Bliss from the Pentagon, thanked Team Bliss for their assistance with the relocation of the brigade and making the brigade feel welcomed and a part of the team.
"Team Bliss has taken extraordinary steps to ensure a smooth transition.
"They have gone out of their way to welcome our soldiers and their families", Ryan said.
He also spoke about the brigade's legacy and moving forward.
"We recognize that much remains to be done...I can promise you that the Officers, NCO's and Soldier's standing before you do not take this [task] lightly and they will deliver, Ryan said.
In the conclusion of his speech, Ryan spoke to the troops.
"You look magnificent. Together, we will continue to uphold the great legacy of this brigade providing outstanding support to Team Bliss.
"SUPPORT THE ACTION," he added.
In August 2010, after returning home to Fort Hood from the brigade's third deployment in Iraq, the "Wagonmasters" and "Wranglers" began relocating its Soldiers and equipment to Fort Bliss from Fort Hood as part of a Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan set in 2005.
During the relocation process, the brigade and battalion have both changed commanders.
Lt. Col. Litonya Wilson, a Detroit, Mich. native, assumed command of the "Wranglers" from Lt. Col. Paula Lodi, a Franklin, Mass. native while Col. James Ryan assumed command of the "Wagonmasters" from Col. Larry Phelps, a Greenville, Ala. native during a ceremony that took place Nov. 30 at Fort Hood.
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