FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona -- The 305th Military Intelligence Battalion bid farewell to Lt. Col. Jorge Arredondo and welcomed Lt. Col. Julie Kellum at the change of command ceremony June 23 on Chaffee Parade Field.
"It's a great honor to be on this field with you today at the home of the Army Intelligence Corps," said Col. Brian Lieb, commander, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade.
"You never have time while in command to really think about the impact that you've had on the organization," Lieb said explaining it is only in reflection that a commander is able to see what they have accomplished.
"For those of you that know Jorge, you know something about his passion for his Soldiers," Lieb said. "A leader who worked to make things better wherever he could."
Lieb highlighted some of Arredondo's accomplishments, including training and technology improvements under his leadership, and commended him for "a job well done that not only helps our current mission but lays the groundwork for the professionalization of our cadre that will have impacts across the course well into the future."
Lieb then welcomed Kellum as the incoming battalion commander.
"A few weeks ago we coined a new moniker for her, 'smaller, faster, stronger'," he said. "We have the smaller part, we'll see about the faster and stronger," Lieb joked.
Arredondo said he wanted to focus his farewell speech on the "aspects of humble and thankful leadership.
"Over the last three years, it has been my distinct honor and privilege to command the silent warrior battalion, one of the largest battalions in the United States Army," Arredondo said acknowledging the accomplishments of the Soldiers on the field.
Arredondo thanked those that he had worked and served with and his family for their efforts and support.
"Now that I have thanked you all, I want to leave the Soldiers and our honored guests with something from the heart," he said. "This will be short and sweet and hopefully impactful. "When I took command and delivered my vision to the Soldiers of the 305th, I told them, "we have the responsibility to deliver tomorrow. I believe we owe our Soldiers the best leadership we can deliver. It is on us to shape the future leadership that inspires them."
Kellum then thanked the audience for attending and Arredondo for a smooth transition.
"I'm truly proud to be part of the Fort Huachuca team again," she said referencing her previous assignment at Fort Huachuca with the 309th Military Intelligence Battalion and U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE).
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