11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Change of Command Ceremony

By Sgt. Ian Vega-CerezoJuly 14, 2021

Col. John L. Dawber, outgoing brigade commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, relinquished command to Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade Field, Fort Bliss, Texas
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. John L. Dawber, outgoing brigade commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, relinquished command to Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade Field, Fort Bliss, Texas (Photo Credit: Sgt. Ian Vega-Cerezo) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, brigade commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, poses for a photograph after the change of command. Col. John L. Dawber, commander, 11th ADA BDE, relinquished command to...
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, brigade commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, poses for a photograph after the change of command. Col. John L. Dawber, commander, 11th ADA BDE, relinquished command to Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade Field, Fort Bliss, Texas (Photo Credit: Sgt. Ian Vega-Cerezo) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Timothy Woodruff addresses 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade for the first time as the Brigade's new commander. Col. John Dawber, commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, relinquished command to Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade...
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Timothy Woodruff addresses 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade for the first time as the Brigade's new commander. Col. John Dawber, commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, relinquished command to Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade Field, Fort Bliss, Texas (Photo Credit: Sgt. Ian Vega-Cerezo) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. John L. Dawber, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command's outgoing brigade commander is presented with the last shell fired from the salute battery. Dawber relinquished command to Col. Timothy L. Woodruff,...
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. John L. Dawber, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command's outgoing brigade commander is presented with the last shell fired from the salute battery. Dawber relinquished command to Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade Field, Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Ian Vega-Cerezo) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, incoming brigade commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, hands off the Brigade guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Walker during the change of command ceremony. Col. John L....
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, incoming brigade commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, hands off the Brigade guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Walker during the change of command ceremony. Col. John L. Dawber, outgoing commander, 11th ADA BDE, relinquished command to Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade Field, Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Ian Vega-Cerezo) VIEW ORIGINAL

Col. John L. Dawber, commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command relinquished command to Col. Timothy L. Woodruff, July 9, 2021, on Noel Parade Field, Fort Bliss, Texas, after a successful two-year tenure.

Throughout Dawber’s command the brigade supported numerous exercises, executed multiple FORSCOM rehearsal of concept drills in support of contingency mission planning and mission rehearsal exercises. The command has had units participate in exercises held in North America, the Gulf States and the Middle East.

The host of the ceremony was Brig. Gen. David Stewart, commanding general, 32d Air and Missile Defense Command, who gave accolades to 11th ADA for the great strides the organization has made despite an aggressive and relentless deployment cycle.

“The ‘Change’ in ‘Change of Command’ is critical,” Stewart stated. “Change brings fresh ideas, new perspectives and energy. However, while change can be uncomfortable, our Army and our leaders are adept at change.”

Woodruff thanked Stewart for hosting the ceremony and for recognizing the great men and women of the 11th ADA by quoting Prime Minister Winston Churchill, “We sleep safely at night because rough men and women stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.”

A repeat offender to the Fort Bliss area, Woodruff also expressed his thanks to the greater El Paso area.

“I would also like to extend our appreciation to the El Paso community for the hospitality and warm welcome you have extended to our family over the eight collective years we have been assigned here starting back in 1998,” Woodruff said.

Dawber, the outgoing commander, gave thanks to the officers, distinguished guests, the El Paso community, family, friends and Soldiers who were present at the ceremony.

“I am grateful for the support we received from the 1st Armored division, 32d AAMDC and the entire Fort Bliss community,” said Dawber. “It is often said that it takes a village. I am forever thankful to this village because you made it possible for us to achieve maximum readiness while also ensuring care for our people.”

Dawber also expressed his gratitude to the Soldiers under his command for the opportunity to lead the prestigious air defense brigade.

“I am grateful to the American Soldier, the less than one percent who are willing and able to do what we do,” said Dawber. “Because of you, this old man got to live a dream. When I departed in 2003, my one hope was to come back and serve in this great brigade in some capacity.