VICENZA -- The 414th Contracting Support Brigade welcomed a new commander July 12.
During a ceremony on Caserma Ederle, Col. Christine A. Beeler relinquished command to Col. Phillip E. Smallwood in front of family, friends and members of the Vicenza Military Community.
Overseeing the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Paul H. Pardew, commander, Expeditionary Contracting Command, who praised Beeler for her accomplishments in integrating the 414th CSB into U.S. Army Africa. He pointed out the change amounted to a 300 percent increase in the brigade's mission requirements.
"They set the example and set a very high bar for every one of the contracting organizations (in the ECC)," he said.
For the new commander, Pardew had these words of advice.
"Don't let up, be aggressive," he said. "Take care of people, and in the end, they'll take care of you."
For Beeler, the ceremony was bittersweet, as it signaled the end of her and her husband's time here.
"We have truly enjoyed our time in Italy and feel a very strong connection to this beautiful country and our gracious hosts," she said. "We will miss our adventures, but we will actually miss (our friends and colleagues) more. (They) have made this extremely special."
Beeler said she also wanted to make sure the members of the brigade knew how much she appreciated them.
"To the regional contracting offices of Africa and Italy, you are the best battalions a brigade commander has ever had the privilege of leading," she said. "You support the line, you deliver high standards of service, reliability and excellence. I am proud of the dedication of each of you to each other and our community. (I am) amazed by your creativity to solve problems and drive successful outcomes. Each of you and your outstanding leadership make it happen every day."
Smallwood said he is looking forward to taking command of what is already a highly functioning brigade.
"To the Soldiers, civilians and local nationals of the 414th, your accomplishments and achievements over the past six years are impressive and commendable," he said. "In my assessment, this is due to Col. Beeler's strength of leadership and the command team.
"I know you will continue to build on your reputation and continue to deliver the same high level of support to USARAF and the community in the years to come."
Beeler's next assignment is at the headquarters of U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in Washington, D.C.
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