FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- The Sabalauski Air Assault School, Fort Campbell's monumental center of education and training, bid an official farewell to its commander -- and welcomed a new one -- during an outdoor ceremony Monday afternoon.
"Today we honor Capt. Michael S. Finch, who releases command of the Sabalauski Air Assault School to Capt. Tad S. Reed," said Voice of the Eagle Sgt. Shawn L. Carlson to Soldiers and guests.
Finch's assumption of command began in April 2014. Prior to this assignment, he served as commander of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Division -- part of the now-inactivated 4th Brigade Combat Team. His successor, Reed, most recently served as the Aide-De-Camp to Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell. In this position, he deployed in support of the Division's recent efforts in the Republic of Liberia, West.
"The change of command is a simple yet traditional event that is rich with symbolism and heritage," Carlson said. "Key to the ceremony is the passing of the unit guidon."
As onlookers quietly looked on, 1st Sgt. Robert A. Flynn, TSAAS first sergeant, orchestrated the passing of the guidon -- a representation of a unit's lineage and honors -- between outgoing and incoming commanders.
Lieutenant Col. Nikolaus F. Guran, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, spoke to guests about the outgoing commander's contributions to the Air Assault School.
"In April 2014 at a ceremony like this one, Capt. Finch stood on the other side of the guidon," he said. "Then, 44 percent of 101st Airborne Division Soldiers were Air Assault qualified. Now 70 percent are qualified. In the last year, the Air Assault Pathfinder and Rappel Master courses have been recognized as institutions of excellence."
While acknowledging the important groundwork Finch laid for the institution, Guran also noted that an institution at the forefront of the Division would need an experienced leader to accept the guidon and perpetuate the legacy of excellence.
"I'm honored to have served with Capt. Reed in Liberia, but now it's time for a new mission," he said. "Sabalauski Air Assault School and the Soldiers of the 101st are in good hands."
When Finch took the podium, he expressed to installation leadership his gratitude for being given the opportunity to assume leadership at the distinguished school. His greatest expression of gratitude, however, was reserved for the school's instructors.
"Each and every one of you has displayed the utmost professionalism in training over 10,000 students who have entered under those arches this past year," he said. "Other Air Assault schools have sent their instructors to our courses in order to see firsthand how you operate in order to better their organizations. I cannot say enough about you and all that you have accomplished."
Lastly, Finch echoed Guran's sentiments regarding the school's incoming commander.
"Tad, I'm excited that I was able to hand this guidon off to you," he said.
To the assembled group, the incoming commander of TSAAS expressed gratitude, along with a succinct and steadfast promise.
"The legacy of the Sabalauski Air Assault School is long and distinguished, and we will continue to embrace and proliferate the Air Assault culture across Fort Campbell and the Army," said Reed.
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