FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. ─ The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center welcomed a new commanding general in a change of command ceremony held Friday, June 23 at the United States Army Aviation Museum on Fort Novosel, Alabama. Brig. Gen. Gene Meredith relinquished command of the USACRC to Brig. Gen. Jonathan C. Byrom, a native of Galion, Ohio.
Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, director of the Army Staff, presided over the traditional change of command ceremony where Byrom was officially recognized as commander after receiving the organization's colors.
In a welcome address, Piatt thanked Meredith for his service. “Gene, I want to thank you for a job well done. Your Army journey brought you here for a reason to command this great organization. And you’ve done exceptionally well.”
Piatt welcomed Byrom; his wife, Marsha; their three children; and a large crowd of extended family. “The Byroms bring not just their immediate family; they bring Marsha’s extended family,” Piatt said, noting that Mrs. Byrom’s family has strong ties to the local community. “We’ve got a whole extended family ascending upon Fort Novosel, land that which they came from. It’s a welcome home for your extended family. The Army works in mysterious ways. It’s always a cool story, and this one of them.”
Byrom received his commission as an Armor Officer following graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1995. He began his military career as a Division Cavalry Tank and Scout Platoon Leader and Cavalry Troop Executive Officer with 1-1 Cavalry. He then commanded A Troop and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop in 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Following his time in command, he taught economics at the United States Military Academy, and later served as the Battalion S3 and Brigade Executive Officer for the 172nd Infantry Brigade. He served as a Senior Instructor for the Army Joint Support Team before he assumed command of 3rd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, and later served as the Armor Branch Chief at Human Resources Command. Byrom became the 1st Infantry Division G3 and then commanded the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. He transitioned to the First Cavalry Division Chief of Staff until he later transitioned to the Pentagon, where he served as the Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Army. Prior to assuming command at USACRC, he served as the Commander for the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Meredith thanked USACRC team members for their commitment to loss prevention across the Army. “I would venture to say that there is no team that is more dedicated to preserving Soldiers’ and civilians’ lives and Army resources than you. Our mission to preserve those Soldiers’ and civilians’ lives is one of the most important in our Army, and all of you gave 100%, on board, every day. You really made coming to work a true pleasure.”
For more information on the USACRC, or to view Byrom’s complete biography, visit https://safety.army.mil/HOME/Leadership.
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