ANSBACH, Germany (Dec. 16, 2014) -- U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach held a change of command ceremony for its Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment Dec. 5 at the Von Steuben Community Center.
Capt. Christopher Meserve, outgoing HHD commander, passed command on to Capt. H. Matthew Sperber during the ceremony.
Col. Christopher M. Benson, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach commander, conferred command from the previous to the new HHD commander through the traditional passing of the guidon.
"Commands bring great responsibility," said Benson. "No one -- and I mean no one -- understands the burden of command like those who have commanded. Despite the burden and the many demands of being in command, command is one of the most rewarding experiences of an officer's career."
Among Meserve's accomplishments, he developed and implemented a grounds maintenance standard operating procedure for the garrison; he oversaw the training, supervision and mission execution of nearly 60 borrowed military manpower Soldiers; he assumed responsibility of the HHDs of USAGs Bamberg and Schweinfurt as both those garrisons worked through closure; and his team led the renovation on the Ansbach Transition Processing Facility.
Benson highlighted Meserve's leadership style and how it affected unit cohesion within HHD.
"The team cares for one another, and that starts at the top," said Benson. "And I believe that Chris's passionate and caring leadership has led the HHD to accomplish many missions they were not designed for or resourced for."
"Thank you for your diligence and superb leadership over the last 19 months," said Sperber to Meserve during a speech to the audience. "You provided the bedrock for my successful command."
Meserve credited his HHD team members for his successful tenure.
"From day one I've been fortunate in having a team that always manages to tackle problems and find solutions so that we always accomplish the mission," said Meserve. "I was once told that a good leader should always surround himself or herself with smart people. It was my good fortune to fall in on a group of Soldiers that were not only experts at what they did but were patient enough to take the time to teach me what they know."
During the ceremony, Benson took time to thank the Soldiers of HHD.
"Many of these events are after duty hours, on weekends, far away, in ASUs," said Benson. "They always look and act professional. I want to thank them now, today for their support of this garrison, this community, and for being the great ambassadors that they are."
During his remarks, Benson complimented Sperber's positive qualities.
"We were very impressed with Matt's credentials and professionalism and his attitude," said Benson.
Sperber closed out the speaking portion of the ceremony.
"All policies and procedures remain in effect," said Sperber. "HHD commander signing in."
Related Links:
USAG Ansbach official blog site
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USAG Ansbach official Flickr page
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