FORT EUSTIS, Va, (Jan 14, 2011) - Loyal friends and colleagues braved the bitter cold to bid a fond farewell and a warm welcome as the Special Troops Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade conducted a change of command ceremony Dec. 15 at Fort Eustis' Anderson Field House welcoming to the brigade Lt. Col. Steven Wilke and bidding a fond farewell to Lt. Col. Laura Elliott.
Incoming commander, Lt. Col. Steven Wilke, stood with pride and esteem before his Soldiers while assuming command of the Special Troops Battalion which consists of six companies with assigned Soldiers providing support in a variety of fields from medical care to human resources. Wilke will lead elements of the battalion into Afghanistan early next year in support of Overseas Contingency Operations.
Outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Laura Elliott, delivered a heartfelt speech reminiscing on the bonds formed, experiences, and lessons learned through the hard work and dedication of the Soldiers, Noncommissioned Officers, and Officers of the Special Troops Battalion.
During her tenure as commander Elliott led her troops to Haiti in support of Operation Unified Response, a humanitarian assistance mission, and helped prepare the unit for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
Following her dedicated service and leadership to the Soldiers and families of the STB, Elliott will proceed to Miami where she will be assigned to United States Southern Command.
"In typical Army fashion, the departure of one great Soldier is marked by the arrival of another great Soldier, such is certainly the case this time," remarked Col. Lawrence Kominiak, commander, 7th Sustainment Brigade and the reviewing officer for the ceremony. "You are inheriting a great unit and I know you will lead it superbly."
Photos and story by Spc. Krista Payne, 7th Sustainment Brigade public affairs. For queries, contact 7th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs at: 757-878-5112 ext. 268. For high-resolution photos and stories by the 7th Sustainment Brigade, please contact the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System by calling (678) 421-6612 or access them online at http://www.dvidshub.net/units/7SB.
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