FORT STEWART, Ga. - A new chapter began in the history of the 3rd Infantry Division with a change of command and change of responsibility ceremony for the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Sept. 27, 2013.
Family, distinguished guests and fellow soldiers gathered this crisp autumn morning at Cottrell Field to welcome the incoming battalion commander and command sergeant major, Lt. Col. Jason T. Edwards and Command Sgt. Major Mariano T. Alvarez, and their families to the Legion Unit family.
The official ceremony was prefaced with an intimate awards ceremony to honor the outgoing battalion commander and command sergeant major, Lt. Col. Earl W. Rilington Jr. and Command Sgt. Major David R. Inglis. The two were honored for their devotion and selfless dedication to the Legion Unit.
Commencing the ceremony, the families of both Rilington and Inglis were presented bouquets of red roses along with other gifts in recognition of their devotion, dedication and tireless efforts to the soldiers and families of the unit. As well, the families of both Edwards and Alvarez were presented bouquets of yellow roses from the soldiers to welcome them to the Legion Unit.
Following an invocation, cannons were fired to signify the formal inspection of the troops performed by the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, Maj. Gen. Mike Murray.
Murray was joined by outgoing battalion commander Lt. Col. Earl W. Rilington Jr. as well as incoming battalion commander Lt. Col. Jason T. Edwards while inspecting their troops. Ensued, the national anthem was played by the 3rd Infantry Division Band, "The Rhythm of the Marne."
Now the point had come for the symbolic changing of command. The Legion Unit's colors were transferred. The colors of the unit symbolically embody the traditions and accomplishments of the unit, and the passing of those colors from Rilington to Edwards symbolizes the passing of the legacy from the present commander to the next.
Intermittently, the battalion change of responsibility was performed with the passing of the sword, from Inglis to Alvarez, which is symbolic of the authority of the noncommissioned officer.
Following comments, the ceremony would then conclude with Edwards joining his staff for a formal review of the battalion.
After the ceremony, Edwards spoke about assuming command of the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion saying, "It's an absolute privilege and honor to command in a division with such rich tradition and history."
He added that the soldiers of the battalion set the standard and lead the way for Fort Stewart and that he is excited to continue the tradition as well as serve and lead the American soldier.
Happy and excited to be a part of the team, Alvarez said that he is looking forward to making a positive impact in the lives of the DHHB soldiers and their families.
"This is a very unique battalion, and we are ready to continue the legacy and tradition in leading the way in this awesome division," Alvarez said.
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