FORT SILL, Okla. " Leadership of the Leader Brigade changed hands during a June 19 ceremony at the Old Post Quadrangle, here, at Fort Sill.
The Soldiers, friends, and family of Col. Mike Cabrey, outgoing commander of the 214th Fires Brigade, gathered in the morning heat to witness command of the brigade transfer to Col. Timothy Daugherty, the incoming commander.
In a small farewell ceremony prior to the change of command, the Cabrey family took the opportunity to thank those present for their support over the last couple of years.
Recounting the history of the profession, Brig. Gen. James Doty, the acting senior commander of the 4th Infantry Division, remarked on the continued relevance and devastating power of the modern field artillery. However, to maintain that relevance - with multiple units in varying stages of the deployment cycle, in multiple theaters of operations, and while also forging ahead with the Battle-to-Battle initiative and other programs - is a commendable hallmark of Cabrey’s time with the brigade, continued Doty.
To the new commander of the 214th FiB, Doty imparted words of confidence and issued a challenge to Daugherty to equal the command of his predecessor.
“[Col. Daugherty] has some big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt that he will perform above and beyond what is expected,” said Doty. “He comes with an outstanding reputation, and is exactly the right commander to take the reins of this great brigade.”
During his farewell address, Cabrey refrained from recounting his brigade’s accomplishments, crediting only his Soldiers for their service, deferring any honors he has received to their work and dedication.
Thanking his friends, family, and the participating units, the outgoing commander reserved a special note of gratitude for his wife, Cathy.
“You have assumed the role of mother, father, teacher, guidance counselor, and friend to so many people on this post. I know that our best times are still ahead of us, and I can’t wait to spend them with you,” he said.
The experience of being a father is something Cabrey believes helped to keep him grounded and balanced throughout his time in command.
Expressing gratitude to those in uniform who contributed to the success of his command, Cabrey thanked leadership at all levels for a professional command climate, and plentiful support.
He saved his final thanks for his supporting staff, emphasizing the work of Lt. Col. Jim Mattox, his deputy commanding officer, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Giles, his senior enlisted advisor.
“Jim Mattox has been flawless,” said Cabrey. “Your advice was always wiser than your years in the Army, and I am truly impressed with your relationship with the battalion commanders.”
And, to Giles:
“I lucked out. I know I have the best command sergeant major in the Army. Beneath that hard exterior is a very hard man.”
As the new leader of the 214th FiB, Daugherty’s words were concise, thanking the Soldiers and leaders of the unit for a smooth transition, as well as his family and friends for making the journey, concluding with a promise to his new Soldiers and families.
“I do not have any great words of wisdom. Free advice is worth the price you pay, and actions speak louder than words. So, I simply pledge that I will lead this brigade with the passion and dignity that these Soldiers deserve,” he closed.
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