New Command Team takes flight at TAAB

By Mr. Cory Hancock (JFHQNCRMDW)July 26, 2018

New Command Team takes flight at TAAB
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Prescott R. Farris (third left), passes the U.S. Army Aviation Brigade guidon to Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington, commanding general during a Change of Comm... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
New Command Team takes flight at TAAB
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Mark G. Kappelmann (second left), recieves the U.S. Army Aviation Brigade guidon from Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington, commanding general during a Change of ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
New Command Team takes flight at TAAB
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A color guard stands during the U.S. Army Aviation Brigade Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremony held at the Latoka Hanger, Davison Army Air Field, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, July 25. (U.S. Army photo by Cory Hancock, JFHQ-NCR/MDW Publ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Aviation Brigade (TAAB) hosted Change of Command and Change of Responsibility ceremony for their outgoing command team held in the Latoka Hanger, Davison Army Air Field, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, July 25.

During the ceremony, Col. Prescott R. Farris relinquished command to Col. Mark G. Kappelmann, while Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen McCabe transferred responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip K. Peguese.

"I tend to think that TAAB is one of the more misunderstood commands within the [U.S. Army Military District of Washington]," said Farris. "When people see the MDW patch on my shoulder they usually ask me what it's like to be in The Old Guard. I usually tell them, hell it's great and then we talk about MDW aviation."

TAAB is a subordinate command of MDW. It is the global and regional aviation provider for the Army Executive and Non-executive leadership, while simultaneously providing critical support to national-level contingency plans within the National Capital Region.

A multi-component brigade-level headquarters TAAB provides command control and resourcing for Active and Reserve Component battalions, including the 12th Aviation Battalion, the Operation Support Airlift Activity, the U.S. Army Priority Air Transport Battalion, the 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company, Davison Army Air Field and the Pentagon Heliport.

Kappelmann hails from Decorah, Iowa. His awards include a bronze star, German Armed Forces Parachutist badge and Master Army Aviator badge, among others. He has served numerous places in his military career both stateside and abroad to include assignments in Hungary, Korea and Germany.

McCabe thanked the Soldier and civilians of the unit during his speech.

"I just want to say thank you for everything that you do for the Army and this organization every day," said McCabe. "I am truly humbled and honored to have served as your command sergeant major."

TAAB is the last stop in a long and distinguished Army career for McCabe, who is retiring from the Army after 29 years of service.

The incoming TAAB Command Sergeant Major, Peguese, has deployed several times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to Iraq and Afghanistan, Peguese has served in numerous domestic and overseas areas including Kentucky, Louisiana and Korea.

"To all the responders, I am here for you, eager to teach, coach and mentor," said Peguese. "My door is always open."

Prior to the ceremony, Farris and McCabe were honored for their service and both presented the Legion of Merit by Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters/U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

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