BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Col. Jody Daniels relinquished command of the 87th United States Army Reserve Support Command (East) during a ceremony held September 9, 2012 at the 87th's headquarters. Col. Steven Ainsworth, chief of staff for the 87th, assumed command in front of more 100 people during the ceremony.
Prior to the traditional hand-off of the unit guide on, Daniels received the Legion of Merit for consistently improving readiness of the eight brigades, 49 battalions, and more than 4,800 Soldiers she supported throughout the last two years.
Maj. Gen. Kevin Wendel, commanding general of First Army Division East presided over the ceremony.
"We are here to recognize the tremendous contributions of one great Soldier and dedicated commander," said Wendel. "We hate to see her go, but there is another great and important opportunity in another place with extraordinary work to be done."
Upon relinquishment of the command, Wendel took a few moments to address the outgoing and incoming commanders.
"She led by example, set high standards, and she prides herself on leading from the front," said Wendel. "She is squared away, was always accessible and there to make it happen with no questions asked."
During her command, Daniels was responsible for mobilizing and demobilizing more than 30,000 troops and was vital to improving the mobilization and demobilization processes to better prepare Soldiers for their upcoming deployments, said Wendel.
Wendel went on to say Col. Daniels could always be counted on, and so can Col. Ainsworth, who is equally talented and will step in and do an outstanding job.
Upon relinquishing command, a tear filled Daniels addressed the Soldiers of the 87th acknowledging how hard it is to say goodbye.
"I really appreciate all you have done and how you helped me; you were responsive, accurate, and on the ball, and you gave me the support I needed," said Daniels.
Daniels said she appreciated the friendships and the entire effort of the 87th. After her many thanks to her staff and the distinguished noncommissioned officers, officers, visitors and guests, Daniels wished Ainsworth luck and left him with a quote from Colin Powell.
"'Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude,' Col. Ainsworth, good luck as you continue to keep this great unit moving forward," said Daniels.
As Ainsworth stepped to the podium as the acting commander for the 87th, he wished Daniels best on her new assignment.
"Taking command of the 87th is an incredible responsibility, and I don't take it lightly," he said.
"The 87th is a great unit with great Soldiers; we will continue to give our very best to United States Army Reserve Command and 1AE," said Ainsworth. "It is a true honor to serve and may God bless you."
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