FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. – The 15th Signal Brigade bid farewell to one commander and welcomed another in a change of command ceremony held June 5 on Barton Field.
Col. Jason B. Haight relinquished command of the brigade to Col. William J. Cherkauskas.
Maj. Gen. Paul T. Stanton, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower commanding general, presided over the ceremony.
In his welcoming remarks, Stanton praised Haight for a successful two years, during which time Haight was responsible for training, developing and leading thousands of signal, cyber, and ordnance Soldiers. Stanton described Haight as one of the most caring, empathetic, and dedicated leaders he has ever served alongside.
“Few people call me or text me directly – even fewer at night or on the weekends, but [Haight] has,” Stanton said. “He engages with me because there is an issue that requires immediate attention … an issue to take care of one of you or one of your family members … he has leaned forward to solve problems before they become problems, with your well-being in mind.”
Stanton went on to credit Haight with the success of programs such as U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s Organic Medical Support (TOMS), the Cadre Resiliency Program, and a three-day field training exercise that has been implemented into the brigade’s Soldier development.
Stanton also thanked Haight’s wife, Theresa, whose care for the Soldiers was evident throughout her husband’s tenure.
“I have seen firsthand how Theresa has poured her heart and soul into taking care of Soldiers,” Stanton said. “I’ve seen it at [4 a.m.] in the pouring 32-degree rain during holiday block leave, I’ve seen it at unit functions, holidays and community events; I’ve seen it in routine interaction.”
As Haight took to the podium one last time as “Team 15” commander, he said he was humbled yet filled with “mixed emotions” as he stood in the same spot he did just 24 months prior.
“As my experience as a part of Team 15 comes to a close, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve among you,” Haight said.
Reflecting on several key moments in time that led to where he is today, Haight emphasized that one’s time on Earth is finite, and he encouraged everyone to make wise use of each moment.
“As we commit ourselves as Soldiers to serve others and faithfully execute our mission, recognize the impact that we have on each other, to help each other realize our potential, to learn, grow, adapt, struggle, and overcome,” Haight said.
Haight’s successor, Cherkauskas, was commissioned as a signal officer in July 2002. No stranger to Fort Eisenhower, his most recent assignment was chief of the Requirements Integration Division, Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate. Stanton said he had no doubt that Cherkauskas is ready for the next challenge.
“I’ve watched you personally over the past two years,” he said to Cherkauskas, “and I know that you understand mission command – you’ll take intent and turn it into meaningful outcomes.”
Cherkauskas thanked everyone for their support.
“There are far too many officers, NCOs, Soldiers and civilians who have played a key role in making me the man I am and the officer you see today,” he said. “It is solemn duty to train and prepare the next generation of signal, cyber, electronic warfare … Soldiers and leaders for that next fight with the hope that never comes, but men and women who are ready and able to fight and win if the nation calls.”
The 15th Signal Brigade was constituted in 1940 and has been headquartered at Fort Eisenhower (previously Fort Gordon) since 1986. The brigade consists of: Ordnance Training Detachment – Eisenhower, 369th Signal Battalion, 442nd Signal Battalion, 551st Signal Battalion, and 401stt Cyber Battalion.
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