PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colorado -- Lt. Col. Bryan P. Shrank assumed command of the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, from the unit's outgoing commander, Lt. Col. James T. Bushong, during a change of command ceremony conducted July 17 at Patriot Park here.
Col. Thomas L. James, commander, 1st Space Brigade, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, hosted the ceremony for the 1st Space Battalion, which provides space support directly to the Warfighters.
After passing the battalion's colors to the new commander, James in his remarks said, "A unit like this, unique in the U.S. Army, has to have the right leadership -- a leader with technical expertise but more importantly a natural leader who knows how to war fight, how to care for our Soldiers and families, a leader who mentors and coaches through example, a Soldier's Soldier, a Space Soldier's Space Soldier who demands the same excellence from his troopers as he does himself, a leader steeped in selfless service.
"If I had to think of one phrase to describe James Bushong, it is selfless service," James continued. "He truly understands the power of empathy and through that brings his Soldiers to excellence. He is a leader with tremendous strategic vision and gets the big picture and knows how that applies at his level. Leading a unit like this is more complex than most, but James Bushong distilled the task to its core and soluble elements better than anyone I've seen. He focused like a laser beam on accomplishing the unit's mission while taking care of his people. Simple to say, exceedingly complex and difficult to do well. Lt. Col. Bushong did it as well as anyone can. And the unit is so much better for the mark that you left on it. You have been a blessing on this unit and will be missed."
James then turned his attention to the new commander.
"Lt. Col. Bryan Shrank is no stranger to the battalion having very successfully commanded 4th Space Company only a few short years ago," James said. "Bryan knows this unit's mission, and we know he's a great leader -- the right leader at the right time to carry on the advances the battalion has achieved since he has been away from Colorado Springs. Welcome back. We all look forward to the leadership you bring to this unit."
During his remarks, Bushong acknowledged the special opportunity he was given to command the globally dispersed battalion.
"I owe a debt of thanks to Col. James who has been my instructor, mentor and leader for the better part of a decade as well as Lt. Gen. [David] Mann. I appreciate the confidence that you gentlemen showed in me when you placed the care of this battalion under my leadership. I hope that I was able to live up to your expectations. But the truth of the matter is, if your expectations were met, it is because of the outstanding troopers who are standing here before you today and the troopers they represent who are stationed worldwide."
Bushong concluded by addressing the new commander and his wife.
"Bryan and Randi, you're going to take this battalion to the next level," he said. "You guys are awesome, and I look forward to watching all the great things you do. Best of luck from me and Summer.
Upon taking command, Shrank thanked James for the opportunity to lead such a great battalion.
"I can think of nothing I want more than to be here with these Soldiers today," said Shrank.
Shrank also thanked the Bushongs.
"Thank you for welcoming us into the unit with open arms, he said. "You're a great command team. I'll strive to continue the amazing impact you've had on this battalion."
Shrank concluded, "Officers, NCOs and Soldiers of 1st Space Battalion, Randi and I are excited to be here with you. We look forward to our next couple of years together. Thank you for a wonderful ceremony and keep up the great work. Space Warriors, Army Space, Army Strong."
Prior to the official ceremony, awards were presented to Bushong and his wife. James presented the Meritorious Service Medal to Bushong for his service as commander of the 1st Space Battalion.
James then awarded Bushong's wife Summer with the Commander's Award for Public Service for her contributions and efforts to the Soldiers and families of the 1st Space Battalion.
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