Those who attended the change of command ceremony for 19th Engineer Battalion July 3 on Brooks Field at Fort Knox heard messages of gratitude and experienced comfortable, sunny weather.
The day prior, the Independence Day Eve celebration to bid farewell to Lt. Col. Estee Pinchasin and welcome Lt. Col. Brad Morgan looked like it might have to be moved indoors. Despite the threat of rain, planners decided to take their chances for an outside venue.
"Praise the Lord for all he continues to do for me and my family, and a special thank you for this amazing weather here today," said Morgan. "We made the weather call at [7 p.m.] last night, and it was the right call, [Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Lathan]. Thank you."
Host of the ceremony and commander of the 19th's parent unit 20th Engineer Brigade, Col. Mark Hoffmeister said the day was fitting to honor Pinchasin for expertly steering the battalion through events over the past two years, including multiple combat tours and several engineering accomplishments at Fort Knox and across the nation -- especially in Nevada, where they worked on what Hoffmeister called the Mother of All Drainage Ditches.
"You've enabled a pinnacle goal in an impressive career," said Hoffmeister. "Though much more lies ahead, you'll look back on the last two years with pride, and with affection. You've guided this team through tragedy and triumph.
"Lt. Col. Pinchasin ensured that by driving bold, ambitious multi-echelon events, her Soldiers would be ready. She integrated all the capabilities of her formation into a synchronized chorus of engineer combat power," he continued. "I've seen very, very few battalions visualize let alone execute the scope of the training Colonel Pinchasin has enable for the Seahorse Battalion."
Hoffmeister thanked the Fort Knox garrison team for providing the support 19th needed to achieve success.
"To the Fort Knox team, thank you for the time and effort that you shoulder," said Hoffmeister. "This formation has endured and emerged from tragedy more than once in the last two years, and your efforts to support the men and women of the 19th are recognized, and they are greatly appreciated."
Pinchasin agreed, praising the support staff at Fort Knox for going above and beyond.
"I've never been in an installation or seen one where the support agencies on this post know every single one of our company commanders and first sergeants by name and drop everything to help them and their Soldiers," said Pinchasin.
One area that Morgan has inherited from Pinchasin and will steer to completion during his time is a test program for fitness.
"I have watched the Seahorse Battalion grow a culture of fitness to rival all challengers, and I have no doubt it will set the standard as they acquire the additional resources and trainers that will come in the next year as they transition to a gold battalion for the Soldier readiness test pilot program in support of [U.S. Army Forces Command]," said Hoffmeister.
Before arriving to Fort Knox with his family, Morgan served as the deputy district engineer for the U.S. Army Engineers in the Baltimore District. During a pivotal part of the ceremony, Morgan received the unit's colors from Pinchasin in the middle of the field.
After the passing of command, Hoffmeister charged Morgan with taking the unit's Soldiers through their next chapter.
"These units provide niche capabilities that enable our maneuver forces to overcome obstacles on land and water, and build and sustain in the most austere environments," said Hoffmeister. "They are constantly in demand."
Hoffmeister said with Morgan's vast experience and know-how, including time at 101st Airborne Division and four Iraq deployments, he will succeed.
"Welcome to the family. You are being entrusted with an awesome responsibility, but you are ready for the task."
Pinchasin will stay in the area, moving to U.S. Army Human Resources Command to take a branch position.
"Whenever I start to get sad about having to leave, what comforts me most is that I'm turning this battalion over to Brad Morgan. What a great team you are, and what a great team you have here. … Our country is so blessed to have Soldiers as professional, dedicated and hard working as these."
Morgan concluded the ceremony focused on them.
"To the battalion standing in formation in front of you, anxiously waiting for me to shut up, I look forward to this humbling privilege of being your commander," said Morgan. "I will enjoy every day to the fullest and look forward to working together."
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