Fort Sheridan Army Reserve unit commander bids farewell

By Spc. David LietzMay 18, 2016

First Army reserve unit conducts change of command
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First Army reserve unit conducts change of command
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Todd Zollinger, 157th Infantry Brigade commander, hands the battalion colors to Lt. Col. Jason A. Grider, incoming commander for the 3rd battalion, 335 Infantry Regiment, during their battle assembly weekend at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, May 15, 2... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
First Army reserve unit conducts change of command
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Andrew C. Dillon, outgoing commander for the 3rd battalion, 335 Infantry Regiment, 157th Infantry Brigade, gives his final remarks during the unit's change of command ceremony, May 15, 2016, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.
(U.S. Army photo by S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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FORT SHERIDAN, Ill. - First Army's 3rd battalion, 335 Infantry Regiment, 157th Infantry Brigade, conducted a change of command ceremony on May 15, 2016 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

Col. Todd Zollinger, 157th Infantry Brigade commander, presided over the ceremony where Lt. Col. Jason A. Grider assumed command from Lt. Col. Andrew C. Dillon, outgoing commander.

"This is the only reserve battalion I have that's over 100 percent strength. They conduct rigorous training that keeps the soldiers motivated," Zollinger shared with attendees. "Almost 80 percent have met their professional military education requirement. Colonel Dillon, I appreciate your commitment to building a professional regiment."

Dillon shared his final remarks to the soldiers of his command.

"I really love command. I know I have been incredibly demanding of you," he said. "Our main effort has always been focused around training, (and) improving the training for up to five thousand soldiers. Our motto has set the standard and you have done that. I thank you."

Grider gave brief remarks to the soldiers of the Blackhawk battalion.

"It's obvious (that) I am joining an amazing organization. This unit can execute any mission at any time," he said. "I believe the sky is the limit for us."

The Blackhawk battalion will be mobilized for a yearlong mission to support the 120th Infantry Brigade, First Army in 2017.