JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - The South Sound lost a long-standing resident of the community June 4 during a relinquishment of command ceremony here.
Col. Barry Huggins commanded the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., for 35 months, leading the Lancers through reactivation and a nine-month deployment to the Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan last spring.
"About three years ago, I had the privilege to assume command of this brigade combat team. Holding the colors for the first time that day began my connection to the Lancer Brigade," said Huggins. "Today the colors left my hands for the last time, but my connection to the Lancer Brigade will endure because it is a connection forged on a shared vision, shared values, a shared mission and a shared history."
Excluding a two-year assignment to Fort Bragg, N.C., from 2008-2009, Huggins has served at JBLM, Wash., in several different capacities since 2001.
Huggins' new mission will take him to Germany where he will serve as the executive officer for Gen. David Rodriguez, who was recently identified to oversee the African Command.
"He was personally selected by Gen. Rodriquez, the AFRICOM commander, (to serve) as his executive officer, which is a magnificent achievement and a great honor," said Maj. Gen. Stephen Lanza, commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division.
Huggins left command of the Lancer Brigade in the hands of his deputy commanding officer, Lt. Col. Richard Edwards.
"These soldiers will continue under new leadership, the compassionate and capable leadership of Rich Edwards and his wife, Megan, and they will continue to earn your trust and respect," said Huggins to the crowd gathered for the ceremony.
Edwards will serve as the interim commander until mid-July, when Huggins replacement is scheduled to arrive at JBLM and assume command of the formation.
"Maj. Gen. Lanza, thank you for your trust and confidence in the Lancers, and allowing me the privilege to lead this organization through its next transition," said Edwards.
Lanza was the reviewing officer for the ceremony and oversaw the end of one chapter in Lancer history and the beginning of another.
"(Huggins), on behalf of the Division, I Corps and JBLM, congratulations on successfully leading the Lancer brigade for the last 35 months. 35 months of brigade command, a tremendous accomplishment and achievement," said Lanza.
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