FORT STEWART, GA -- Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division's "Spartan Brigade" welcomed a new commander during a change-of-command ceremony held here at Marne Garden, Aug. 1.
Col. Terry R. Ferrell relinquished command of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team to Col. Charles E.A. Sexton, with the traditional passing of the colors.
Ferrell, who led the brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom V, assumed command of the 2nd BCT, also known as the Spartan Brigade, June, 2006.
Overseeing the ceremony was the new 3rd Inf. Div. Commander Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo.
"Col. Ferrell is a humble leader, confident enough to let his subordinate leaders execute
on intent," Cucolo said of the outgoing commander."He truly is a Dog Face Soldier through and through.
"Col. Sexton comes to us with years of troop training and leadership under his belt," said
Cucolo. "He too, like Col. Ferrell is a Dog Face Soldier, and truly bleeds white and blue."
"It is a honor to be part of this greatest division and this great combat team," said Sexton.
"It has been a personal dream of mine to be part of the mightiest division the world has
ever known.
"These Soldiers you see before us embody the same bravery and sacrifice as the Soldiers
who came before them," Sexton continued.
"These Soldiers represent our past, present and our future."
Sexton's most recent assignment was on the Department of the Army staff as a strategic planner for both the Army and the Joint Staff.
In addition to holding both bachelors' and masters' degrees, Sexton has attended the
Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses,Command and General Staff College, and the
National War College.
Sexton has deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as participating in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia.
Sexton's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with V
device and Oak Leaf, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf, Army Commendation
Medal with V device and Oak Leaf, the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge
with Star, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Parachutists Badge.
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