Fort Belvoir, Va. (July 17, 2014) - The command team of Lt. Col. Brian Zarchin and Command Sgt. Maj. Carolyn Reynolds passed on the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, Headquarters Battalion colors to Lt. Col. Philip V. Lenz and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles H. Williams at a change of command and change of responsibility ceremony, Friday at Thurman Hall.
The ceremony marked the end of Reynolds' and Zarchin's time at Fort Belvoir.
Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. Michelle Mitchell said the pair provided command and control for 2,200 Soldiers and civilians from 16 different organizations across the garrison and National Capital Region over the past two years.
"This ceremony represents so perfectly the leadership and bond between Lt. Col. Zarchin and CSM Reynolds. It's hard to talk about one without talking about the other," Mitchell said. "On behalf of the garrison, Brian and Carolyn, I would like to thank you for your leadership. We could not have accomplished much of what we've accomplished without your energy, motivation and support."
Stephen Brooks, deputy to the installation commander, said Zarchin and Reynolds' commitment to the Ready and Resilient Campaign made a difference on post.
"The best that can be said about a commander, is when they leave, do they leave the organization better than how they found it? For Lt. Col. Zarchin and Command Sgt. Maj. Reynolds, they definitely left Fort Belvoir better than they found it," Brooks said.
Reynolds and Zarchin took to the podium together to make their parting speeches.
"We started as a team, I guess we're going to end as a team," Reynolds said.
Mitchell noted the Character Counts program and Resilience Obstacle Course as major achievements during Zarchin and Reynolds' time at Fort Belvoir.
"As you can see, this team has done an awful lot in their very short, two years in command," Mitchell said. "Not only have they left an impression on the physical footprint of Fort Belvoir, but they've left an impression on the hearts of our Soldiers, their Families and our staff."
Zarchin said Reynolds has made his time as battalion commander memorable.
"Command sergeant major, I couldn't have asked for a better battle buddy over the past two years," Zarchin said of Reynolds. "You've truly made this command the most important job I've had in over 21 years. Your example, your famous hugs and cries for more girl power will be missed by our ranks."
Zarchin asked the guests to direct their attention to the Color Guard, made up of servicemembers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the 55th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), the 212th Military Police Detachment and Belvoir's Marine Corps Detachment, saying that they represent headquarters battalion.
"They epitomize the headquarters battalion's vision of being trained, cohesive, and disciplined," he said, asking the guests to join him in applauding the Soldiers and Marines.
Reynolds too, addressed the Soldiers and civilians she helped lead.
"We have such outstanding Soldiers in the Headquarters Company, and the 212th MP detachment, and our civilian employees are devoted to providing excellent customer service and administrative support," she said. "I will truly miss the cohesiveness we had as a battalion. We worked hard, but we played hard also."
When Zarchin and Reynolds began at Fort Belvoir, they were sharing office space with Army Community Service. Brooks said they eventually found a new space on Abbot Rd. and continued their hard work through the process.
"Just as they were the champions of resilience, they were resilient themselves," Brooks said. "They didn't let that keep them down. They just used that to help better focus all their energies and efforts."
Zarchin addressed former Garrison Commander Col. Gregory D. Gadson, who was in attendance for the ceremony. Zarchin and Reynolds served the majority of their two years under his command.
"Col. Gadson simply inspired a garrison to perform at levels we didn't think possible. I'm a much better man, and this garrison is a much better place to be because of you," Zarchin said.
Both Zarchin and Reynolds said their short time getting to know Mitchell has given them confidence in the garrison as they prepare to leave the post.
"Although I've only served under you for going on two weeks now, I've already learned so much. There's no doubt in my mind that the garrison is in great hands with you," Zarchin said.
Addressing the incoming command team of Lenz and Williams, Mitchell said she was looking forward to their energy and leadership as they take over headquarters battalion.
"I'm confident with your demonstrated leadership, you each will continue to make headquarters battalion a valuable asset to Fort Belvoir and the surrounding community," she said. "I know you will take headquarters battalion to the next level of excellence."
Zarchin agreed, and said the work done by himself and Reynolds will be carried on.
"I have absolutely no doubt that with our heavenly Father's guiding hand, the competence and the Family values that you have, that you will take the battalion and the garrison to new heights," he said.
Lenz and Williams both acknowledged that they were left with some pretty big shoes to fill.
"I have learned throughout this week that (Reynolds) will quickly introduce me as her replacement, but I have to quickly let everyone know that I was her backfield, because I found out very quickly that she could not be replaced," Williams said of Reynolds. "One of the many things you can expect from me is that I will strive to provide leadership, experience, guidance, mentorship and support for the Soldiers, Family members and civilians of the headquarters battalion."
Brooks said changes of command happen every two years, and the incoming commanders always bring with them fresh ideas and a new perspective.
"This happens every two years in the Army. One good thing about the Army is the Army keeps rolling along. Lt. Col. Lenz and Command Sgt. Maj. Williams, they come here with a large depth and breadth of experience, and I'm sure they'll fill that void," Brooks said. "They'll pick up where Lt. Col. Zarchin and Command Sgt. Maj. Reynolds left off."
Lenz said himself and his Family have received a warm welcome as they adjust to life at Fort Belvoir.
"The moment my Family and I arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. In fact I think I've been hugged more times in two weeks by people in uniform, than I have in my previous 18 years of service," he said.
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