2nd Cavalry Regiment welcomes new commander

VILSECK, Germany - Troopers, Family members and guests of 2nd Cavalry Regiment welcomed Col. Patrick J. Ellis and bid farewell to Col. John V. Meyer III July 15 during a Change of Command ceremony at the Vilseck High School Sports Field on Rose Barracks, Germany.

Ellis recently graduated from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. Prior to his attendance to the college, he was the commander of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from June 2013 to April 2015 during which he deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ellis is bringing 22 years of military experience with him and looks forward to commanding the Regiment.

"To the Troopers of 2CR, my Family and I are honored to join you as members of this historic regiment. We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to join a great unit in a great location, in such a dynamic time in history," he said. "As our motto states, we will remain always ready across a strong Europe and beyond. Able to respond with everything from handshakes to hand grenades as the mission requires. Toujour Pret, Always Ready, Strong Europe!"

After relinquishing his command to Ellis, Meyer said that the importance of this ceremony was not only to transfer authority from one commander to another, but more importantly it marked the transfer of responsibility. The responsibility to provide the best leadership that will inspire Soldiers to follow when they do not have to.

"Col. Ellis is the right commander, the right officer for this regiment. He brings in energy and passion that will see the regiment forward for the next few years," Meyer said.

The Regiment made a strategic impact the past couple of years under the command of Meyer. Troopers participated in numerous multinational training exercise throughout Europe and Egypt. Included in Europe are Steadfast Javelin II, Allied Spirit, Angry Lion, Atlantic Resolve North and South, Brave Warrior, Summer Shield, Slovak Shield, Saber Junction and Saber Strike. The Regiment's first squadron spent nine months in Sinai, Egypt in support of Multinational Force and Observers.

They also expanded military freedom of movement through several countries including Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia during Dragoon Ride II and Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary and Romania during Dragoon Crossing.

Meyer will transition to be the Deputy Director, Plans and Policy Division, J-5 / PACC on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC.

The ceremony also included the change of command for five of the Regiment's squadrons.

Lt. Col. Scott B. Chaney replaced Lt. Col. Timothy P. Payment at 3rd Squadron; Lt. Col. Thurman C. McKenzie replaced Lt. Col. Deric J. Holbrook at Field Artillery Squadron; Lt. Col. Mark R. Himes replaced Lt. Col. Alexander G. Deraney at Regimental Engineer Squadron; Lt. Col. Angel R. Estrada replaced Lt. Col. Joseph Williams Jr. at Regimental Support Squadron; and Lt. Col. Gregory V. Campion replaced Lt. Col. Jonathan Due at 4th Squadron.