Fort Huachuca, Arizona--The 309th Military Intelligence Battalion, 111th MI Brigade, welcomed a new commander and command sergeant major during a change of command and change of responsibility ceremony June 10 on Chaffee Parade Field.
The battalion said goodbye to Lt. Col. Erich C. Spragg, outgoing commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory L. Roman, outgoing battalion command sergeant major, and welcomed Lt. Col. Mark A. Denton, incoming commander, and Command Sgt.Maj. Louis A. Brown III, incoming battalion top enlisted leader.
At a small assembly prior to the ceremony, Spragg presented Roman with a Meritorious Service Medal in honor of his service to the battalion. Col. Kevin R. Wilkinson, commander, 111th MI Bde., then presented Spragg with a Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership and guidance during his tenure with the battalion.
During the invocation given by 111th MI Bde. Chaplain (Maj.) Michael W. Fox, the chaplain wished the outgoing leadership Godspeed in their new assignments and incoming leadership the best in "commanding such an outstanding organization [as the 309th MI Bn.]."
Next, members of the battalion presented Heather Spragg and Pamela Roman with bouquets of red roses in full bloom to thank them for their "unwavering support of the 309th MI Battalion." Teresa Denton and Nichol Brown received yellow roses "to welcome them to the battalion team." The roses, not yet in full bloom, represented the challenges and growth that would come to them over the next few years. Other family members present received flowers or other tokens of appreciation for their support.
Wilkinson and outgoing commander Spragg then conducted a final ceremonial inspection of the units to "evaluate the condition of the troops and their equipment" just as they once did on a regular basis in the early days of a younger Army. The inspection also allowed the Soldiers "to see their commander for the last time."
Following the inspection of troops, the change of command and change of responsibility ceremonies began.
"The passing of the unit colors symbolizes the passing of command and control from the departing commander to the new. Additionally, the passing of the unit colors emphasizes that the organization is more important than any one individual and even though a commander may change, the organization remains constant. The colors of a military unit symbolize its very heart and soul," said Sgt. 1st Class John D. Monnett, master of ceremonies.
Roman then passed the colors to Spragg, departing commander, who passed them to Wilkinson, relinquishing his responsibility and authority for the 309th MI Bn. Wilkinson turned the colors over to Denton, the new commander, with responsibilities and authority of command. Denton then passed the colors to Brown, charging him with the responsibilities "to provide his unwavering leadership and unconditional loyalty to the Soldiers of the 309th Military Intelligence Battalion."
After the ceremony, the speeches began.
Wilkinson praised the remarkable performance of the departing leadership team for their stewardship of an advanced individual training battalion, for their leadership and for building trust across the organization.
"You understood what it takes to train Soldiers, and you and your team did just that. Your team focused on incorporating current doctrine … and incorporated the latest lessons learned from the operational force. Lieutenant Colonel Spragg, Command Sergeant Major Roman, you and your leaders consistently displayed sound judgment and applied analytical rigor to adjust across the forces and look for more efficient and effective methods to secure resources and execute training. Both the [counterintelligence] and [human intelligence] courses have been certified by the joint staff. You have collaborated with both the Army and Air Force to meet the Army requirements.
"As a result of these and several other initiatives, there has always been a marked improvement in combat readiness of 1,500 trained Soldiers arriving at their first assignments greatly enhancing the overall readiness of the Army's forces. … Remember, a command is a marathon and not a sprint."
Wilkinson wished Spragg the best of luck on his new assignment to Turkey to work with NATO and Roman as the commandant of the Noncommissioned Officer Academy "across the street." He welcomed Denton, Brown and their Families and encouraged the two leaders to move the battalion forward.
"Take care of your Soldiers and they will take care of you," he said. "Make decisions that will reflect well on our profession … foster esprit de corps … I know you'll do great things."
Next, Roman briefly addressed the audience, thanking God for allowing him to be there, those with whom he had the honor to serve for their support, and told Brown that he would be working with a unit of professionals. He called the last two years "amazing," and said he was truly blessed. "It has been a pleasure to serve [the 309th MI Bn.]."
Spragg then made a short speech and said the 309th MI Bn. could take on seemingly impossible missions time and time again and succeed in executing them beyond expectations building on the successes of his predecessors. He thanked those who worked with him, especially his instructors and platoon sergeants.
"Boss … commanding your brigade has been an absolute blast," he said, and thanked Wilkinson for his mentorship and for letting him and Roman command the battalion and accomplish the unit missions as they saw fit.
He then addressed Roman, saying he had no idea of who or what to expect when he first met him. He described his first impression of Brown as an old-school command sergeant major and went on to praise his abilities.
"I had no idea of who I was getting for a command sergeant major two years ago.
"In all 21 years of my career, I never seen a finer command sergeant major or officer for that matter, who could mentor Soldiers as effectively as you. As a battle buddy, I never doubted once that you had my back. I've enjoyed every second of it and have never had a better battle [buddy]. I am a better officer -- and human -- for being under your tutelage." He wished his command sergeant major well in his new assignment "just down the street."
Spragg then thanked his wife for her "unconditional love and support over the past two years" and for allowing him to command the battalion.
Brown, the new 309th MI Bn. command sergeant major, was next to speak. He thanked God for his new assignment, select members of the audience and everyone for attending, and his wife for her support.
"I could remember 20 years ago I was a proud AIT Soldier in this great battalion. I am glad to have this opportunity to serve as your command sergeant major, and I look forward to working with the smartest and greatest in the MI Corps."
Denton, the new battalion commander, was the last to speak. He thanked everyone "for being here today, to serve this rich, time-honored tradition with us." He thanked the outgoing command team for easing his transition, and everyone in the audience for being there, and his wife and Family for their love and support.
"We train our Soldiers, and then we grow them into leaders. I cannot think of a better place to serve, educate, and mentor the future of the MI Corps than Fort Huachuca. It is a privilege and honor to take command of the 309th to perform our nation's work to produce competent professionals.
"On the field today, what stands before you … is the Soldier. Thank you for your service. I am honored to be joining your ranks and be working with this team of outstanding professionals. Together, we will build this team of the Army's cohesive intelligence trainers," Denton said
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