Headquarters Battalion transitions new leadership

By Tim Cherry, Belvoir EagleJuly 12, 2012

Congratulations
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Zarchin
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FORT BELVOIR, Va. (July 12) -- Fort Belvoir Headquarters Battalion opened a new chapter with a change of command ceremony in front of the Garrison Headquarters Building July 9.

Lt. Col. Brian P. Zarchin assumed command of the Headquarters Battalion from Lt. Col. R. Dwayne Bowyer before the Garrison commander and the Soldiers he will be leading.

Zarchin informed the battalion's Soldiers standing at attention during the change of command that all current policies and standing orders remain in effect.

"I look forward to serving and Soldiering with you each day," Zarchin told his new command. "I'm humbled and privileged to command such an outstanding unit, at such an historic installation."

Zarchin is assigned to guide more than 2,000 Soldiers and civilians in units such as, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the 212th Military Police Detachment and the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. Zarchin also has command authority over compassionate reassignment Soldiers and garrison tenants with no commander on post, such as the E Company 169th Engineer Battalion and the 249th Engineer Battalion.

"The Headquarters Battalion will flourish under your leadership," said Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. Gregory D. Gadson speaking to Zarchin. "I feel very good about this transition and we wish you all the best."

Zarchin served in several Aviation assignments prior to assuming command of the battalion. In 2001 Zarchin commanded the 12th Aviation Battalion on Fort Belvoir at Davison Army Airfield and flew rescue and recovery missions in the Military District of Washington during 9/11.

Gadson, who presided over his first change of command as Belvoir's leader, said Zarchin's prior experience will suit him well in the new position.

"We celebrate the arrival of an exceptionally well qualified leader to take command," Gadson said.

Zarchin expressed gratitude to the many Family members and mentors who helped him reach this point in his career and looks forward to helping Gadson improve Fort Belvoir.

Both men praised Bowyer for his two years of service on post. During his remarks, Gadson mentioned Bowyer's numerous accomplishments, which include overseeing the development of the Fort Belvoir Warrior Combatives Training program and developing relationships with partner organizations.

"I just want to build on the incredible job Lt. Col. Bowyer has done over the last two years," Zarchin said.

Bowyer thanked everybody who helped him fulfill his duty as the battalion commander, including his Family, Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, Commanding General, Joint Force Headquarters, National Capital Region, Military District of Washington and former Garrison Commander Col. John Strycula. These people and many others made Belvoir an enjoyable and rewarding working experience according to Bowyer.

"I'm grateful for so many of you and the relationships that we've built," Bowyer said.

Bowyer specifically mentioned the Soldiers in the HHC and the 212th MP Det., who according to Bowyer, are critical to helping Belvoir be a safe and fun environment for Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, retirees and Families to live, work and play.

Bowyer said Zarchin is ready to assume command of these units and other units under his authority.

"I can not ask for a better officer, leader and friend to hand-off such a great responsibility," Bowyer said.