FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers, Family Members and friends of the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade gathered Wednesday at Sexton Field for a ceremony in which Col David V. Gillum relinquished command to Col. Shawn C. Schuldt after 18 months of leading the Muleskinner Brigade.
Gillum took his time at the podium to reflect on the honor he felt to hold a command within the 10th Mountain Division (LI), to thank the numerous friends and Family Members in attendance and to pass along acclaim to the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade.
"(As sustainers), the only thing that matters is that the supported force has what they need, when they need it, where they need it," he said. "That no operation, exercise or training event fails due to service of supply. That they can depend on us. That they trust us. That when we are needed, we are there. Eighteen months ago, they didn't trust us. But they do now."
The trust Gillum spoke of stems from supporting the division's other brigades -- the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams and the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade -- during their multiple exercises and deployments from Fort Drum.
Gillum looked over the formation to speak directly to the Soldiers of the Muleskinner Brigade one last time before closing his remarks. He took the opportunity to remind them that they answered the call again and again.
"Every single time you are called, you respond," he said. "You've taken your place center stage in the history of a proud unit. You've lived up to the reputation established by the original WWII Muleskinners. To serve with you has been the greatest honor of my professional life, and I could not possibly be prouder of you, your reputation or the opportunity to serve alongside all of you. Stay Proud -- Stay Mountain!"
Gillum will take over duties as the officer in charge of the G-4 (supply and logistics) for Eighth Army in South Korea.
Schuldt takes over command of the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade after serving on the Army Staff as the chief of plans for the Army Sexual Harassment / Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program.
During his speech, Schuldt was quick to show his gratitude for the opportunity to take command while passing along high praise to the Soldiers.
"Command is a privilege. And to command an organization as diverse as the 10th Sustainment Brigade is truly an opportunity I will cherish," he said, adding that the organization's "professionalism and dedication to service is known across the Army."
"I am honored to now stand beside you."
Schuldt becomes the 14th commander of the Muleskinners since the unit's reactivation at Fort Drum in 1985.
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