FORT CARSON, Colo. - "If there is any unit on Fort Carson that represents how busy the Army is, it is the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade," Said Brig. Gen. Joseph Ryan, acting senior commander of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson.
One July 26, 2018, the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade "Ivy Eagles" was deployed to Europe reinforcing our support to the NATO allies as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Exactly one year to the day they deployed, on July 26, 2019, the 4th CAB held a change-of-command ceremony, where Col. Scott Myers, incoming commander, took command of the Ivy Eagles from Col. Scott Gallaway, outgoing commander, on Founders Field, Fort Carson, Colorado.
The act of passing the colors is symbolic of the passing of the command authority. It is one of the oldest military traditions of the profession of arms.
During the ceremonial passing of the brigade's colors, the brigade's senior enlisted advisor Command Sgt. Maj. James Etheridge presented the colors to Gallaway, who then presented them to the senior commander, Ryan, signifying his relinquishing of command. Ryan presented the colors to Myers, thereby passing the responsibility and authority command to him. The new commander passed the colors back to Etheridge, who is the custodian of the colors.
"The Army is all about people and Changes of Command truly highlight the impact that people and leadership have on organizations and units," said Ryan. "As Scott Gallaway is about to tell you and Scott Myers will tell you two years from now, nothing they achieve is possible without the support from their immediate Families and their extended Families."
Within two years of command, Gallaway led the brigade to achieve many great accomplishments. With him at helm, the Ivy Eagles Brigade became the first rotational aviation brigade to execute gunnery training in Greece. Additionally, Ivy Eagles Soldiers were instrumental in fighting wildfires on Fort Carson and surrounding areas.
During the ceremony, Ryan praised Gallaway for a successful command.
"Scott Gallaway is a warrior scholar if there ever was one," said Ryan. "And he deserves the credit for where the 4th CAB has been, what they've achieved, and where they're headed. Scott, congratulations on an incredibly successful command, one where I know you've invested great effort - an effort you'll never forget."
Ryan went on to recognize Myers for his achievements.
"Scott Myers is a fantastic officer who deployed with the division headquarters to Afghanistan," said Ryan. "Who won the trust and respect of Maj. Gen. Randy George, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson commanding general. I know he is ready to lead the Ivy Eagles to success."
Gallaway expressed how appreciative he was to serve with all the Soldiers and Families of the brigade.
"Thank you for your hard work and dedication," he said. "Thanks to your Families for their extraordinary sacrifices. I am so proud of all of you. I know you are in great hands with Scott Myers, Command Sergeant Major Etheridge, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mike Corsaro. This is truly the dream team and I look forward to the days ahead. I also know that you will continue to ensure there is no greater ally and no worse foe than the mighty Ivy Eagles."
Additionally, Gallaway extended his thanks to his family, especially his wife and two sons, Jack and Connor, for their sacrifices and unwavering support.
"To my wife, Laura, thank you for all you have done for our Families," said Gallaway. "You are absolutely the best, most selfless person I know...I am most excited about the opportunity to write another chapter together in the book of life."
Myers is a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, and received his commission from the United States Military Academy in 1996 in the Aviation branch.
Over the past 23 years, he has served in several tactical and operational assignments including, troop executive officer, senior operations officer and corps deputy chief of operations, and most recently the director of combined joint operations center at the Resolute Support headquarters in Afghanistan.
"I extend a sincere thanks to General George for this opportunity to serve with and lead these phenomenal Soldiers to our front," said Myers. "Angela and I are deeply grateful and excited for the privilege of continuing to serve with the Ivy Division and the Ivy Eagles Brigade, and alongside some of the best Soldiers and Family in our Army."
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