'Demon' brigade changes authority

By Sgt. Jarrett E. AllenJuly 12, 2017

usa image
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Color Guard for the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, stands in formation holding the brigade colors in a Change of Command ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley, Kansas July 7. The ceremony was to wish Col. John M.... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Chris Black, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, commander, speaks in a Change of Command ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley, Kansas July 7. The ceremony was to congratulate Col. John M. Cyrulik, outgoing commande... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Soldiers, friends and family came together on Fort Riley's Cavalry Parade Field July 7 to witness Col. John M. Cyrulik turn command of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, over to Col. Chris Black in a ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley outgoing acting senior commander, was first to take to the lectern and congratulate Cyrulik on a job well done as brigade commander of the 1st CAB.

"The division salutes you - Soldiers want to be in the aviation brigade because of your leadership," Frank said. "Thanks for your positive, professional style, always pushing the CAB team forward."

Frank said at his core, Cyrulik is a Soldier's leader.

"Today, we welcome to the division and to the CAB another great leader, aviator and warfighter," Frank said. "Col. Chris Black, along with his wife, Christy, son, Connor, and daughter, Annabelle."

Frank said Black is an experienced combat veteran who has multiple theater deployments and more than 26 years of service.

Black thanked Frank for his kind remarks and for his support to the division and Soldiers and aviators of the "Demon" brigade.

Black then spoke to his Soldiers standing in formation on the field.

"Demons, we must always remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants - we are part of a legacy that stretches back 100 years," Black said. "Our mission is to carry that legacy forward, in our own small way, into the future."

Cyrulik said it has been his honor to serve with his Soldiers over the last two years. He said they motivate and inspire him and he is a better leader for having the distinct privilege to serve as their commander.

Cyrulik welcomed Black and the Demon brigade is fortunate to have him and his family joining the CAB and Big Red One team.

Related Links:

The 1st Infantry Division on Facebook

More photos from the ceremony