Lt. Col. Brendan J. Cullinan and Command Sgt. Maj. Bernard Brooks Jr., assumed command and responsibility, respectively, of the 12th Aviation Battalion from Lt. Col. Edward Meyers and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert L. Hill Jr. during a ceremony hosted by Col. Prescott R. Farris, commander, United States Army Aviation Brigade, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 23, 2017.
The 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is assigned to United States Army Aviation Brigade, U.S. Army Military District of Washington. The Battalion conducts air movement and supports technical rescue operations within the National Capital Region. They also maintain a continuous alert posture in order to sustain a rapid response, readiness, and support force capability.
"As the days leading up to today's ceremony started to peel away, I began to reflect more and more on how I got here and the experiences that made this journey so enjoyable," said Meyers the outgoing commander. "I remember looking back to when I first took the colors, wondering to myself how this battalion gets it all done, the answer was quite simple, I'm surrounded by great people, great people at every level."
Meyers assumed command of 12th Aviation June 2015 and has previously served in Kuwait, Honduras, Korea, and stateside. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, and the Senior Army Aviator's Badge.
"Only 26 months ago I assumed responsibility as Wing of Freedom 7," said Hill, the outgoing command sergeant major. "I had little understanding of an Aviation Battalion with an Engineer company assigned. Immediately I knew that I had a lot to learn. Without hesitation, some of the brightest commanders, and First Sergeants wrapped their arms around me and quickly got me up to speed on the organization. Without hesitation, I will say that this has been one of my best assignments, as I have discovered long ago, it is the men and women of the organization that makes the assignment enjoyable."
Hill assumed responsibility of 12th Aviation April 2015 and has previous assignments include service in Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea and stateside. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (three oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Master Aircraft Crewmember Badge, and the Honorable Order of Saint Michael (Bronze Award)
"Good morning, this is a little bitter sweet for me; I'm happy to be joining the great MDW team and wear this same patch my father wore as a member of (The Old Guard) nearly 40 years ago," said Cullinan the incoming commander. "" Freedom Battalion, I promise you all that during this transition, I will work as hard as I can to earn your trust and the trust of those we serve. Thank you for what you do every day for our great nation."
Cullinan was commissioned as an Aviation Officer following graduation from Tufts University. He holds a Masters of Arts in Defense Studies from King's College -- London England. Cullinan previous assignments include service in Afghanistan, Iraq, and stateside. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (three oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation (two oak leaf clusters), Senior Aviator Badge, and Army Staff Badge.
"I am happy to be here and look forward to serving with the Soldiers and Civilians in this excellent organization. You all look outstanding," said Brooks, the incoming command sergeant major.
Brooks enlisted in the Army in 1993 as a Field Artillery Cannon Crew Member (13B), a graduate of the United States Army Sergeant Majors Academy and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Brooks' previous assignments include service in Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea and stateside. His decorations include Bronze Star Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (four oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation (three oak leaf clusters), Recruiter Badge (2nd Gold Star), Drivers Badge and the Senior Aircrew Member Badge.
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington serves as the Army Forces Component and core staff element of Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region which conducts operations that deter, prevent and respond to threats aimed at the National Capital Region; and conducts world-class ceremonial musical and special events in support of our Nation's leadership.
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