1st Ranger Battalion conducts change of command in Savannah's Forsyth Park
Story and photos by Nancy Gould
Hunter Army Airfield
Dog walkers, joggers and curious bystanders paused at the south end of Forsyth Park to watch 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment Commander Col. Brandon Tegtmeier pass the battalion colors to incoming commander, Lt. Col. Todd Brown. Invited guests watched in the humid morning air as they sat under large white tents with fans that sheltered them from Savannah's steadily rising temperatures.
Before the ceremony, Col. Marcus Evans, commander, 75th Ranger Regiment, presented Tegtmeier with the Legion of Merit award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. He said Tegtmeier had demonstrated 'servant leadership' throughout his command and had lead with integrity, compassion and humility.
The outgoing commander thanked Evans for his guidance, as well as others who supported and advised him and kept him from making mistakes. He also thanked his Family for outstanding support, especially his wife, Julie, who supported many of the needs of the battalion, including service as the battalion's Family Readiness Group leader.
The outgoing commander said that leaving the Savannah community and the 1st Ranger Battalion to attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks is a bittersweet experience. But he finds comfort in leaving the battalion in capable hands.
"I couldn't have hand-picked a better couple than Todd and Kris," he said. "Todd is smart and will lead this battalion with purpose."
He said that Rangers in the battalion represent a generation of millennials who joined the military after 9-11-- also with purpose. Unfortunately, the generation is sometimes stereotyped as less fit, less disciplined and less lethal than its predecessors.
"That's not true," he said. "I've seen them perform one superhuman feat after another superhuman feat. They have a lethal, insatiable desire to be a part of the team, engaging the enemy."
Lieutenant Col. Brown said he is also proud to lead the 1st Battalion team. "Thanks for receiving me and my Family with open arms."
Brown served previously as the Executive Officer with the 1st Battalion, the Executive Officer at the Regiment Special Troops Battalion and the Executive Officer of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
His most recent assignment was as the Battalion Commander of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, Vicenza, Italy. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times in various staff and command positions. He is married and has two sons.
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