40th ESB bids farewell to one commander, welcomes another

By Natalie LakosilJune 11, 2015

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 11th Signal Brigade Commander Col. James Park, right, passes incoming Commander Lt. Col. Cora Henry, 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, the colors, signifying her control as commander of the ESB. The passing of the colors represents the transfer of... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, incoming Commander Lt. Col. Cora Henry, 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 11th Signal Brigade Commander Col. James Park, and outgoing Commander Lt. Col. David Thomas, 40th ESB, inspect the troops on Brown Parade Field as part of the cha... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - Outgoing Commander Lt. Col. David Thomas relinquished command of the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion to incoming Commander Lt. Col. Cora Henry, Wednesday morning during a change of command ceremony on Brown Parade Field.

"It's an absolute honor to be here today to thank Dave and Kellie Jo Thomas and welcome Cora Henry to the Renegade family," said 11th Signal Brigade Commander, Col. James Park. "With our battalion spread across three branches, deployed across two theaters, and supporting missions from coast to coast here in the U.S., change is a part of our daily life in the Thunderbirds.

"Today that change comes in the 40th Signal Battalion when we say goodbye to one battalion commander and welcome another," Park added. "One of my first ceremonies as brigade commander was here on this very field when Dave took command. I remember him saying he was proud to join the ranks of the 40th and he promised to give 100 percent every day. Dave, you have certainly done that. We wish you nothing but the best and look forward to working again with you in the future."

Thomas, who started his military career at Fort Huachuca 25 years ago after graduating from Buena High School, has been stationed at Fort Huachuca three times during his Army career. Thomas said the day's events were bittersweet. "It has been a fabulous two years and I will definitely miss the Soldiers and the Families. It's like home, so I'll miss that.

"Renegades you look great and I could not be more proud of you. I am honored to have the opportunity and privilege to command the Soldiers standing before you for the past two years."

Thomas will be relocating to Fort Knox, Kentucky, with his wife. "Kellie this was your first experience as an Army spouse and you did awesome. I love you and I look forward to the next chapter in our Army career," he said.

Park spoke next.

"We are especially happy today as we welcome a very qualified and experienced leader to take command of the 40th Signal Battalion," Park said. "Take care of these Soldiers, for they are some of the very best you will find not only here at Fort Huachuca, but in the Signal Corps and in the military."

This is Henry's first time being stationed at Fort Huachuca. She briefly visited several years ago while on temporary duty. Henry and her family have relocated from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

"This is truly an honor, I'm looking forward to commanding the battalion," Henry said. "I've got a great battalion that I've taken over.

"One of the things I am looking forward to doing is developing our future leaders for the Army," she added. "I know that the Army has been around for a long time and we're going to continue to be around. … I just want to make sure that the Soldiers who are in this battalion are mentored and developed to be outstanding future leaders."