JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (July 15, 2024) -- Soldiers and civilians from the 902nd Contracting Battalion gathered to case their unit colors marking the unit’s inactivation during a ceremony July 12 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Lt. Col. Juan Villatoro, the 902nd CBN commander, and Sgt. Maj. Jesse Campos, the 902nd CBN’s sergeant major, cased the colors during the ceremony officiated by Col. Jessie Griffith, the 418th Contracting Support Brigade commander at Fort Cavazos, Texas.
Griffith opened his remarks by expressing his pride in the organization’s support for the Army and nation.
“Today we gather with heavy hearts and profound pride as we mark the end of an era for the 902nd Contracting Battalion,” Griffith said. “Since 2007, this unit has stood as a stalwart of contracting professionalism, a beacon of support for the warfighter and rampart in service to our nation. Today we honor its legacy and bid farewell with utmost respect and gratitude that mere words cannot fully convey.”
Griffith detailed the unit’s long and prestigious lineage dating back to October 25, 2007, when the battalion was officially activated at then Fort Lewis, Washington. The 902nd CBN has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially dispersed across multiple locations under the 411th CSB in Yongsan, South Korea, the battalion's mission was to provide top tier contracting support across the Pacific Command. They quickly engaged in various joint operations and humanitarian efforts across Asia.
Griffith added, throughout its history, the 902nd exemplified the highest ideals of duty, honor and sacrifice. From its first deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to the most recent national training center rotations at Fort Irwin, California, 902nd Soldiers have faced adversity, “with unwavering resolve, demonstrating profession, ingenuity, and bravery in every mission undertaken.”
In 2008, the battalion consolidated at Fort Lewis for intensive training in preparation for deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Subsequently, they actively supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and continued to provide crucial contracting services through 2010. As the Expeditionary Contracting Command grew, the 902nd CBN moved to the 412th CSB in San Antonio, Texas, facing challenges managing a larger team across multiple time zones and locations.
In 2011, the battalion undertook a dual mission: consolidating teams in the Midwest while deploying others to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon their return in 2012, they integrated into Joint Base Lewis-McChord and later aligned with MICC-JBLM to enhance operational contracting support. This realignment aimed to optimize procurement for Soldiers and airmen stationed at JBLM.
The battalion's focus expanded to Pacific Pathways support and establishing reliable contractor networks across I Corps' operational area. They participated in major exercises and deployments, including Operation Inherent Resolve and COVID-19 response efforts. Their role in exercises like Defender Pacific-21 underscored their commitment to regional stability and allied cooperation.
Most recently, in March 2022, the 902nd CBN deployed to the U.S. Central Command area for Operation Inherent Resolve, returning in December 2022. While deployed, the battalion provided contracting services for military operations worldwide.
“Each member of this unit has contributed not only to its operational success but also to a collective spirit that defines our Army strength,” Griffith said. “I take stock in the number of Army Contracting Command and acquisition leaders that MICC-JBLM and the 902nd has produced, and I will gladly wager that no other unit has had more of impact or left more of a legacy than 902nd Contracting Battalion.”
During the ceremony Villatoro thanked the current and past members of the 902nd CBN for the support to unit and its mission.
“In these past years and at the end of my military career, I couldn’t ask for a better team,” Villatoro said. “It’s truly a humbling experience. Maj. Gen. Doug Lowrey, Army Contracting Command would challenge us to live the legacy. I would tell this group of Soldiers is that your legacy is built on reputation. The reputation we want is built on winning. To win as a team and do it humbly and as an attitude and a way of life is the key to success.”
Griffith closed out the ceremony saying, as we lower the colors for the last time, let us remember and honor all who have served under its banner. Their commitment and sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. May the 902nd Contracting Battalion rest easy knowing its mission has been fulfilled with honor and distinction.
About the MICC
Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the Mission and Installation Contracting Command consists of about 1,500 military and civilian members who are responsible for contracting goods and services in support of Soldiers as well as readying trained contracting units for the operating force and contingency environment when called upon. As part of its mission, MICC contracts are vital in feeding more than 200,000 Soldiers every day, providing many daily base operations support services at installations, facilitate training in the preparation of more than 100,000 conventional force members annually, training more than 500,000 students each year, and maintaining more than 14.4 million acres of land and 170,000 structures.
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