FORT DRUM, NY -- Lt. Col. Gregory L. Darden assumed command of the 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI) Sustainment Brigade, from the unit's outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Jason W. Schultz, during a change of command ceremony June 10, 2021, at Division Hill here.
Maj. Gen. Brian J. Mennes, the commander for the 10th Mountain Division (LI), served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony.
"I am so thrilled to be here today to celebrate this change of command," said Mennes. "Lt. Col. Darden is now one of us; he is a 10th "Mountain Tough" Soldier. He is an awesome logistician and a great leader. Welcome to the team."
For Darden, a recent Inspection Division Chief for the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), this will be his first assignment to the North Country, and he expressed his excitement for this new position.
"The Soldiers and leaders of the battalion look great," said Darden. "I'm honored to be selected as your commander, and I can't wait to work with all of you."
Schultz expressed his sincere gratitude for his Soldiers and their perseverance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"To the "Sword Battalion," you've done the tough jobs to include virtually every Mountain Peak through JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center) providing COVID support to the entire Division," said Schultz. "I've been absolutely amazed at what you've been able to accomplish. It has been my pleasure to be your commander, and I loved every minute of it.
"When COVID hit, the virus protocols put up a lot of obstacles, and what's amazing is that you always found a way to win, and I'm very proud of each and every one of you," added Schultz.
Mennes had a message for the outgoing commander.
"Lt. Col. Schultz is one of the best officers I know, period. He has created readiness from this team that is off the charts. I couldn't be happier to have this opportunity with you, and I appreciate your service," said Mennes.
Darden expressed his vision for the future of the battalion.
"Together, we will train lethal and responsive teams that are grounded in an environment of trust that celebrates our diversity."
Social Sharing