FORT IRWIN, Calif.--The 916h Support Brigade at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here, June 25.
Colonel Matthew Ruedi and his family were received to the installation during a ceremony that included presentation of flowers to Lucinda Ruedi and gifts to the Ruedi children, honors to the nation, and the passing of the brigade colors.
Commander of the NTC and Fort Irwin, Maj. Gen. Ted Martin, took hold of the colors from outgoing commander, Col. James Kazmierczak, and handed them to Ruedi during the ceremony.
Martin -- on his and wife Stephanie's behalf -- welcomed the Ruedi's during his remarks.
"Matt has deployed multiple times and earned his credentials as a leader and expert logistician on the battlefield," Martin said. "Cindy has been there every step of the way and knows what it takes to keep, both the home fires burning and the families well cared for. Their reputation as a dedicated and caring command team precedes them. You are assuming command of a top-notch unit. I'm sure that together you'll take them to new heights of excellence."
Martin praised Kazmierczak and his spouse, Anita, for their contributions to the brigade's Soldiers, families and civilians.
"Today we bid farewell to a great Army family -- Jim and Anita Kazmierczak," Martin said. "Together they have set such a wonderful example and provided outstanding and inspiring leadership these past 24 months to the men and women of the 916th Support Brigade."
The commanding general described the responsibilities of the 916th as being diverse and critical to the NTC's mission of preparing brigade combat teams to be successful on the battlefield.
Kazmierczak stated that it was a true honor and privilege to have commanded the 916th and he was greatly impressed by the organization.
"What it accomplishes daily amazes me," Kazmierczak said about the brigade. "The impact these Soldiers, these [Department of the Army] civilians and contractors have on our rotational unit -- as well as those assigned to Fort Irwin -- has given me a great sense of pride."
Ruedi said it was a great day for him and his wife, and that it was an honor to join a fine organization.
"To the personnel of the 916th Support Brigade standing in front of me -- you look great out there and I look forward to serving with you each and every day from here forward," Ruedi said.
Ruedi was commissioned in May 1993 as a second lieutenant in the Army's Transportation Corps. Previous assignments include serving as assistant chief of staff, G4 (logistics) with 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas; commander of 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1CD at Fort Hood, and; deputy G3 future operations with III Corps. He also served with 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, as division transportation officer and deployed to Iraq, and was operations officer with 10th Division Support Command (Fort Drum, New York), serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
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