14th MI Battalion uncases colors

By Gregory Ripps, 470th Military Intelligence Brigade editor-writerDecember 11, 2012

Uncasing 14th's Colors
Lt. Col. Kris Arnold, 14th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, and battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Fanelli uncase the battalion's colors during a brief ceremony at the 470th MI Brigade's vehicle maintenance area Dec. 3. The uncasing symbol... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- The 14th Military Intelligence Battalion uncased its colors during a brief ceremony at the 470th MI Brigade's vehicle maintenance area Dec. 3.

The uncasing symbolizes resumption of the battalion's mission on Fort Sam Houston following its redeployment from Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Although the battalion returned to its home station in October, its Soldiers have been busy with completing their re-integration to regular duty.

Before the uncasing, Col. Pierre Gervais, brigade commander, addressed the 14th MI Battalion while its Soldiers and those of other brigade elements stood in formation.

"Through constant challenge, at the local and Afghan national level, you kept your eye on the mission, you took care of your team, and you returned home setting a new standard for interrogation operations and our profession of arms in trust, discipline and fitness," Gervais said in part.

After the Soldiers were brought to attention and the national anthem was played, Gervais gave the order to uncase the colors. Then Sgt. David Webb held the staff that bore the cased colors in a horizontal position, and Lt. Col. Kris Arnold, battalion commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Fanelli, battalion command sergeant major, solemnly removed the case and unfurled the unit's colors. The color bearer thereupon returned the staff to an upright position.

Although brief, the ceremony was also poignant because this was probably the last time the colors would be uncased before the 14th MI Battalion will be inactivated at the end of the fiscal year.