Change of Command starts anew with one, says farewell to another

Even though it was "Friday the 13th", there was no apparent bad luck as one commander said his goodbyes and another began her journey during the 304th Military Intelligence Battalion Change of Command ceremony on Brown Parade Field June 13.

Lt. Col. Jaren Price, outgoing commander, passed the guidon to Col. Richard Monnard, brigade commander, 111th MI Brigade., who then passed it to Lt. Col. Candice Frost, incoming commander, during the event, representing a symbolic transfer of leadership.

During his remarks, Monnard reviewed Price's accomplishments over the past couple of years. "The last two years have been outstanding for the 304th. Great strides have been made towards the implementation of the Army Leader Development System, the Adult Learning Model and Soldier-Centric Learning. The core standards and requirements have been increased and all course materials have been reviewed, updated and modified," Monnard said.

"Lt. Col. Price truly has made a difference," Monnard added. "His mentorship and counseling programs are the best in the brigade. He established new leader development programs so the Captains Career Course, the Warrant Officer Advance Course and the Basic Officer Leader Course are better prepared to lead as we transition from an Army at war to an Army of preparation.

"Jaren and his team have also graduated over 5,400 officers and Soldiers from 17 different courses during the last 24 months. Most of them immediately deployed into harm's way to support our forces, in direct contact with enemy.

"Lieutenant Colonel Price, you should be very proud of yourself and what you and the 304th have done. As you and Kris, and the rest of your Family head to Fort Knox, know that you have made a difference and that your effort will impact the MI Corps in the next generation of Soldiers," Monnard added.

Turning the attention to Frost, Monnard said, "Candice, welcome aboard and actually, welcome back. Your background and experience will be invaluable to the brigade and the 304th. As you and your children get settled, I know your team and the community will make you feel welcome … I have known you since you were a second lieutenant. You were destined for great things then and you will do great things with the 304th."

Price thanked all the people who supported him throughout his journey at Fort Huachuca and told them, "More importantly than anything I may have personally accomplished during the last two years is what we have done as a team in the 304th with the support of various organizations on Fort Huachuca, the local community, and organizations throughout the Army."

Prior to the ceremony, Price received the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding accomplishments as commander of the 304th MI Bn.

Price, his wife and three children will be moving to Fort Knox, Kentucky.

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304th MI Battalion