ORLANDO, Fla. – The 321st Military Intelligence Battalion held a Change of Command ceremony at the Southwest Airlines Maintenance Hangar in Orlando, Florida on April 4. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Justin Pelletier took command of the battalion, which is based in Florida. U.S. Army Col. Jackie East, the Commander of the 259th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, was the officiating officer over the ceremony.
The ceremony began with an invocation from the 321st MI BN Chaplain (Maj.) Bartlomiej Gadaj and the playing of the National Anthem. As is tradition, the leaders passed the unit colors from the 321st MI BN Command Sergeant Major to U.S. Army Col. Jeffrey Silverman, the outgoing Commander. Silverman passed the colors to East, who passed them to Pelletier signifying the change of command.
Silverman, the outgoing Commander, said it was the people in his unit that made his experience as battalion Commander significant.
“It comes down to the people,” Silverman said. “We were able to accomplish so much in so little of time. I’m just really proud of the Soldiers and what they were able to do because everyone is under-resourced and under-funded, and we still made it happen.”
During his speech Silverman mentioned pride in unit achievements such as impactful missions, upcoming deployments, and individual Soldiers winning various Soldier competitions. He also expressed appreciation for the Soldiers of the 321st MI BN.
“We as leaders exist to serve you,” Silverman said. “Our job is to remove roadblocks and give you opportunities to shine. Thank you for your efforts and hard work these past two years.”
Pelletier shared his thoughts on his new position.
“I had heard a lot about this unit; really tremendous things,” Pelletier said. “It’s a great responsibility and challenge, and I’m looking forward to it.”
The ceremony concluded with Pelletier commanding the 321st MI BN Command Sgt. Maj. Melanie Cole to take charge of the unit. After the ceremony, one of Silverman’s daughters pinned him to the rank of colonel. Silverman plans to go on to attend the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base.
The 321st MI BN is a battalion under the 259th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade.
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