Cold Steel Brigade bids farewell, and welcomes new commander

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Soldiers, Family members and civilians of the Cold Steel Brigade, gathered on Watkins Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 13, to witness one of the Army's many traditional ceremonies -- the transfer of command from one commander to another.

Col. James P. Isenhower III., transferred command of the 189th Combined Arms Training Brigade to Col. Roland H. Dicks, as the brigade colors changed hands from the outgoing commander to Maj. Gen. Erik C. Petterson, commanding general, Division-West.

Isenhower, who served as the brigade commander for the last two years, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Soldiers and staff of the Cold Steel brigade.

"Today is not "Teacher Appreciation Day," but I'd like to treat it as if it were," said Isenhower. "As I leave command, I want to recognize so many of you who taught me how to lead and to Soldier."

"I'm still learning, of course, with much room for improvement… everyone here has taught me, in some fashion, to grow and evolve. And for that, I am as humbled as I am grateful," said Isenhower.

Peterson, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated Isenhower on his successful leadership, as well as officially welcoming Dicks to the division.

"To say this brigade has been doing some heavy lifting over the past two years of Isenhower's command would be a significant understatement," said Peterson.

"Day in and day out, for two intensive years, the Soldiers of the 189th CATB have been out there, partnering with units -- coaching, mentoring, supporting and substantially enhancing overall combat readiness," said Peterson.

As Peterson welcomed Dicks, he mentioned what the hallmark of any strong organization is, as well as its ability to manage transitions.

"Col. Dicks, you join us with a strong foundation of diverse, current and relevant experiences and an absolutely exceptional professional reputation. I have complete confidence that this team will continue to build on and improve the capabilities of the Cold Steel team," said Peterson.

Dicks, whose most recent assignment was the Train Advise Assist Command-West Deputy Commander, expressed his gratitude and honor to be able to join the ranks of the Cold Steel brigade.

"It is a distinct honor and privilege to join the ranks of the 189th CATB, and First Army. I do not take this responsibility lightly. It is humbling to stand before you and take command of this great unit and its mission," said Dicks.

As with any new commander, there are goals and expectations, in order to ensure the unit remains successful. With Dicks, this is no different, as he outlines his expectations of the brigade.

"The Army's priority is clear -- its readiness. This unit has a critical role in providing combat ready forces to combatant commanders -- forces prepared to fight tonight. I am honored to contribute to the readiness of our total Army," said Dicks.