3-85th Warrior Transition Battalion welcomes new commander

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- With Fort Drum leaders, community members, Family and friends looking on, Lt. Col. Brad A. Johnson relinquished command of the 3rd Battalion, 85th Mountain Infantry Regiment, Warrior Transition Battalion, to Lt. Col. Theodore A. Sobocienski III during a ceremony Tuesday at Magrath Field.

Col. John A. McMurray, Fort Drum U.S. Army Medical Department Activity commander, applauded the efforts of all of the individuals in the WTB, whose work he said was instrumental to the "remarkable strides" that Soldiers in transition are making under their care and ultimately to the overall readiness of the 10th Mountain Division (LI).

"Soldiers are reaching levels of recovery at an incredible rate," McMurray said. "This is due in part to the attention poured out by the command team, cadre and numerous Civilian Employees of the WTB."

McMurray commended Johnson for the strong, compassionate and consistent leadership he provided throughout his tenure.

"Your leadership has been a driving force of all of the accomplishments of the battalion," he said. "You have motivated your staff, you have inspired the Soldiers in transition and you have always led by example and with integrity."

A native of Kansas, Johnson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1996 and received his commission as an armor officer.

In 1999, Johnson transitioned into the Military Intelligence Corps. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including assignments with the National Security Agency's Cryptologic Centers in Texas and Colorado, and two assignments with the Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., among many other command positions and deployments.

He assumed command of the 3-85 WTB on June 16, 2015.

Johnson thanked those present for attending, and he thanked his Family for their support over the past two years. He extended a special thanks to the cadre, staff, Soldiers and Civilians of the Warrior Transition Battalion.

"All the credit for everything we have accomplished belongs to them -- all the members of the team," he said.

Johnson also thanked the leaders of the 10th Mountain Division (LI), MEDDAC and the many organizations across the installation who provide support for Soldiers in transition.

"There is no higher calling than to care for others," he said. "The healing and transition of Soldiers with dignity and respect is our mission."

Johnson said that he often hears Soldiers say that the care they have received while in transition exceeded their expectations. He said that there is "no other acceptable level of care" for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and that the mission of the WTB is to support these Soldiers as they strive to overcome their challenges and meet their goals.

"I am continually inspired by them," he said. "Their perseverance, dedication and positive attitude in the face of such adversity truly sets an example for all Soldiers."

Johnson leaves the WTB to serve as senior intelligence officer for the Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Sobocienski began his military career in 1987, when he enlisted with the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He attended Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, N.H., and participated in the ROTC program at Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Mass., receiving his commission as a transportation officer in 1991.

His command assignments include several assignments with the Army National Guard Directorate in Arlington, Va., as well as with U.S. Army Forces Command, and Headquarters, Department of the Army. Most recently, Sobocienski served as chief of the Plans and Exercises Branch of the National Guard Logistics and Engineering Directorate's Strategic Logistics Division.

Sobocienski applauded members of the Warrior Transition Battalion for the outstanding work they accomplished under Johnson's leadership. He said that he looks forward to working with the cadre and staff as they fulfill the mission of supporting Soldiers in transition.

"Knowing what we do and the role we play in Soldiers' lives, I can honestly say that I am deeply honored and humbled to be your next battalion commander," he said. "I will strive to embody the battalion motto of 'Ever Forward,' and I ask the same of the battalion."