41st Signal Battalion welcomes new commander

USAG YONGSAN, South Korea -- The 41st Signal Battalion hosted a change of command ceremony June 16 to mark the change of Battalion leadership of the "First Brigade's Best" at the soccer field across from Burke Towers.

During the ceremony, Soldiers, families and civilian staff welcomed Lt. Col. Dan R. Brue II as the new leader to take the baton in leading the 41st Signal Battalion and bid farewell to outgoing Lt. Col. Warren R. Wood.

Upon passing of the colors, Col. Paul H. Fredenburgh III, Commander of 1st Signal Brigade, first shared his remarks and passed his heartfelt gratitude to Wood for his contributions to date.

"Team Knight has made significant contributions to the continued enhancement of signal capabilities under the tutelage of Lt. Col. Wood," said Fredenburgh. "Lt. Col. Wood and Team Knight's hard work and dedication to their work and mission did not go unnoticed during his time in command."

Fredenburgh continued, "The Battalion received three defense information systems agencies' facility awards for excellence with signal support to the Korean peninsula and also had seven civilian personnel recognized for excellence by the USFK Commanding General, more than any other unit in the Brigade. Furthermore, they led the way providing premier communications support to distinguished visitors which includes the Presidents of the United States and Republic of Korea, the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Army Chief of Staff and various other VIPs taking on the challenge and performing brilliantly. As you embark on your new journey, I just wanted to let you know that you were a driving force not only for the 41st Signal Battalion but the entire Brigade. Thank you for a job well done. "

Fredenburgh then went on to introduce the incoming commander of the Battalion.

"I would now like to take this opportunity to welcome an equally talented leader, Lt. Col. Dan Brue II, his wife and their family, 2nd Lt. Courtney Brue, Spc. Brent Brue and Pfc. Brianna Brue. Now that itself, a family of that kind type of service and tradition is owed a great round of applause. We welcome you all to the 1st Signal Brigade and 41st Signal Battalion families."

Fredenburgh said, "Lt. Col. Brue has served in a wide variety of tactical, strategic as well as operational signal corps assignments, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the 41st Signal Battalion. I have no doubt that he will bring great ideas and enthusiasm in the Knight family. 41st Signal Battalion can feel confident that they are getting an exceptional new commander. Dan, you are now inheriting a highly motivated Battalion with a proud and proven record of success."

Wood then gave his last remarks as the Battalion Commander.

"My biggest hope is that I leave here having made a positive impact on you in some way that you can take with you to the future and share with others in our great Army." said Wood. "To Lieutenant Colonel Brue, take care of them like I know you will and they will never let you down. I know you and Dana are committed servants and without a doubt this unit is gaining a truly great command team."

Following Wood's final remarks, Brue expressed his readiness to lead the Knight team and his gratitude to signal leaders and his family.

"To Soldiers and civilians of the 41st Signal Battalion, I am honored to be your Commander. I will commit myself everyday to making this unit the best unit possible and this place the best place to be assigned. I look forward to all the opportunities and all the challenges that await us. Knight six on the net," Brue said.

Brue first joined the military in 1987 as a Communications Security Equipment Repairer/Intelligence Analyst, and served in a wide range of key leadership positions for 26 years prior to his current position as the Battalion Commander. These positions include Platoon Leader at 123d Signal Battalion, 3d Infantry Division and later as Executive Officer at 103d Military Intelligence Battalion as a Battalion S6 at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Executive Officer at 385th Signal Company in Camp Doha, Kuwait; Commander of HHC, 63d Signal Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia and of Alpha Company, 63d Signal Battalion; Plans Officer at 335th Signal Command (Theater), East Point, Georgia; Combat Signal Trainer at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California; S3 and Executive Officer of 58th Signal Battalion in Okinawa, Japan; Chief of G6 Plans and Exercise Branch in United States Army Africa in Vicenza, Italy; Advisor for the Iraq Ministry of Defense Director General of Communications; Chief of G6 Current Operations Branch and Deputy G3 for Operations in 7th Signal Command (Theater).

Wood will depart 41st Signal Battalion with his family to start the next chapter of their military career as Deputy Brigade Commander at 516th Signal Brigade in Fort Shafter, Hawaii.