Since ancient times, armies throughout the world have conducted traditions and ceremonies to commemorate victory over the enemy, to honor comrades in arms and celebrate special occasions.
On Tuesday, keeping with tradition, Col. Kevin Luke relinquished command of U.S. Army Reserve Careers Division to Col. Stacy Babcock at Sadowski Center on Fort Knox.
Maj. Gen. Tracy Thompson, the U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general for Support, was the ceremony's host.
After the colors were passed from the outgoing to the incoming commander, Thompson thanked Luke for a job well done in commanding ARCD. He also said the unit was instrumental in building the force during a time in the nation's history when the Army has been actively engaged throughout the world.
"I want to thank you for the sacrifices you made … (it's a) tough job being a brigade commander," said Thompson. "… Even though it's tough, it's over before you know it."
Thompson also acknowledged the difficulty of moving a unit from Gillem Enclave, Georgia, to Fort Knox. He pointed out that a mentor once told him that, "As an Army officer you are either in command or waiting for command."
Thompson also addressed Babcock by saying that she will have joy while serving as a commander for ARCD.
"Stacy … (it's) going to be tough … (it's) going to be long, but it will be worth it," Thompson said.
Luke's first opportunity to address the unit came in the form of a thank you.
"This is an outstanding organization and a special thanks to all the battalion commanders and battalion sergeants major (who) led the way by turning guidance into reality," he said.
Luke added that the headquarters staff made a difference through their support of more than 1,700 Soldiers and 1,600 new career counselors.
"Know (that) I consider you my permanent family regardless of (my permanent change of station)," Luke said.
He also thanked Garrison Commander Col. Steve Aiton for welcoming ARCD to the installation.
Babcock said she was humbled to be standing before the unit because she doesn't take the responsibility of commander lightly.
She also told a story of not having any direction after graduating high school and that college or joining the military weren't on her radar. Babcock said her aspirations included becoming a karate teacher. But an encounter with a recruiter who was visiting a friend changed her life.
"I joined the Army for four years on active duty," she said "(When) I finally got the nerve to tell my mom I had joined the Army, the first thing out of her mouth was 'why didn't you join the Air Force?'"
As Babcock took command of ARCD she said it's a privilege to have an opportunity to sustain the strength of the U.S. Army Reserve.
"(You) can't have readiness without quality Soldiers," Babcock said. "ARCD is working hard to retaining. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead."
In 2007 Babcock took command of the 305th Psychological Operations Company and deployed to Iraq in 2009,providing PSYOP support to the 34th Infantry Division and the southern half of Iraq. Upon her return she was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command Airborne as the assistant chief of staff G-5 plans directorate chief at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Some of Babcock's military awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Service Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendations Medals, airborne and air assault qualified as well as the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
Babcock has masters' degree in instructional technology and in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. She is also senior human resources management certified.
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