Incoming command sergeant major of the 303rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 8th Military Police Brigade, Command Sgt. Maj. Donald A. Petrie, receives the unit colors from the “Phoenix” Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Clinton E. Pierce, during a change of responsibility ceremony on Hamilton Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 17, 2024. The 8th Military Police Brigade deploys worldwide to conduct area security; maneuver and mobility support; internment and resettlement; law and order; police intelligence operations; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear consequence management in support of the maneuver commander.
Outgoing command sergeant major of the 303rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 8th Military Police Brigade, Command Sgt. Maj. Brie E. Kotula, gives her final speech to the 303rd EOD formation, during a change of responsibility ceremony on Hamilton Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 17, 2024. The 8th Military Police Brigade deploys worldwide to conduct area security; maneuver and mobility support; internment and resettlement; law and order; police intelligence operations; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear consequence management in support of the maneuver commander.
Incoming command sergeant major of the 303rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 8th Military Police Brigade, Command Sgt. Maj. Donald A. Petrie, gives his first speech as he assumes responsibility of 303rd EOD Battalion during a change of responsibility ceremony on Hamilton Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 17, 2024. The 8th Military Police Brigade deploys worldwide to conduct area security; maneuver and mobility support; internment and resettlement; law and order; police intelligence operations; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear consequence management in support of the maneuver commander.
8th Military Police Brigade commander, Col. Charles Green, congratulates outgoing 303rd Ordnance Battalion- (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Brie E. Kotula, after a change of responsibility ceremony on Hamilton Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 17, 2024. The 8th Military Police Brigade deploys worldwide to conduct area security; maneuver and mobility support; internment and resettlement; law and order; police intelligence operations; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear consequence management in support of the maneuver commander.
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – The 303rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 8th Military Police Brigade senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Brie E. Kotula, relinquished responsibility of the Phoenix Battalion to Command Sgt. Maj. Donald A. Petrie during a change of responsibility ceremony on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 17, 2024.
During Kotula’s remarks, she thanked the distinguished guests and Soldiers in attendance before sharing a speech full of gratitude for her time as the battalion’s senior enlisted leader.
“The time has come for me to bid aloha to this wonderful place where we shared countless moments, laughter, and camaraderie,” Kotula shared about her time in the unit. She went on to talk about her gratitude for her past mentors, leaders, and her staff that helped get her through a successful tour of duty as the command sergeant major of the unit.
“To the battalion staff, who were made up of sections with just a couple of people, but still had to do everything that staffs twice their size had to do – you were always stepping up regardless of the task to get the job done,” said Kotula.
Kotula affirmed her gratefulness to the subordinate units under her watch during her time there as well.
“I never ceased to be amazed of things you accomplished on a daily basis. I couldn’t be prouder of your commitment, expertise, and relentlessness. I will always be your biggest fan and give a heartfelt thank you to each one of you,” said Kotula.
Kotula closed her remarks with a warm welcome to Petrie, leaving him with words of encouragement.
“Stepping away from something that you’ve invested so much into is never easy, but the fact that you are the one stepping in makes it infinitely easier,” she said. “Hopefully you enjoy the ride as much as I have.”
When Petrie took the podium, he assured the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers, and families of the unit, of his dedication to serve with and for them.
“It is an absolute honor, privilege, and most importantly a joy, to be able to serve as your command sergeant major,” said Petrie. “I’d like to thank the Soldiers of the battalion in advance for what is sure to be the most gratifying tour of our career.”
Petrie takes over as the Phoenix Battalion command sergeant major having been the previous U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy deputy commandant in Fort Bliss, Texas.
The 8th Military Police Brigade deploys worldwide to conduct area security; maneuver and mobility support; internment and resettlement; law and order; police intelligence operations; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear consequence management in support of the maneuver commander.
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