Spartans change command

By Sgt. Joshua LaidackerJune 28, 2016

Spartans change command
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Thomas Gukeisen, outgoing commander of 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, hands Maj. Gen. James E. Rainey, commander of 3rd Infantry Division, his brigade's colors in a change of command ceremony at Marne Gardens on Fort St... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Spartans change command
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Spartans change command
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FORT STEWART, Ga. (June 10, 2016) - Col. Thomas Gukeisen, outgoing commander for 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, transferred command to Col. James Dooghan in a ceremony at Marne Gardens on Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 10.

"[Gukeisen] is a pretty dynamic leader and one of the most competent infantrymen I've bumped into in my short time in the Army," Maj. Gen. James Rainey, commander of 3rd Inf. Div., said before awarding Gukeisen the Legion of Merit in a small ceremony before the change of command.

"If working with Col. Gukeisen doesn't light your fire, you got wet kindling," said Col. Reginald Neal, commander of Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, before awarding Gukeisen the Georgia Meritorious Service Medal.

Gukeisen assumed command of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div. Feb 12, 2014. The brigade, known as the Vanguards, reflagged to 2nd IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. under Gukeisen's stewardship. During that time Gukeisen also led the brigade through fielding of crucial equipment, large scale training rotations, and deployed Soldiers to Africa and Europe.

"Thank you Spartans for allowing me this opportunity and giving me more than I could ever ask," Gukeisen said in the ceremony.

Although Gukeisen was lauded for his accomplishments as a leader, he spent his speech thanking those who served with him, including the Spartan Soldiers themselves.

"You only knew one direction, to advance towards the enemy," Gukeisen said. "You laughed, you cried, you were bored, you were always tired, but you never quit, you never accepted defeat, and you never left a fallen comrade."

"This is the most combat ready brigade combat team in the army," said Rainey.

"Thanks for grafting me and my family into yours," Dooghan said to the Spartan Brigade. "We look forward to contributing to a legacy of this awesome brigade and its storied regiments."