208th Reservists farewell commander

By CAPT. CURSHA PIERCE-LUNDERMAN, 208th Regional Support GroupJuly 15, 2010

208th Reservists farewell commander
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FORT JACKSON, SC -- Col. Pete Bosse relinquished command Sunday of the 208th Regional Support Group to Col. Larry Cruz after serving three years in the position. And during that time, the group has seen numerous changes, with Bosse being its only constant.

In 2007, when Bosse took the guidon, the unit was located in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Hatchell was keeping Soldiers in line, the units served were logistics, and there were approximately 1,700 Army Reserve Soldiers located in Texas and Louisiana.

"One of my biggest challenges in command was rebuilding after the move from Texas," Bosse said. "Only the command sergeant major and I moved; no one else came."

After arriving at Fort Jackson in August 2008, the first formation for the Headquarters Company contained only three people. Today, the company has nearly 100 Soldiers.

"We got here, began networking, and meeting people on post," Bosse said.

By June 2009, Bosse found himself in charge of facilitating mobilization and deployments for five Military Police battalions and three direct reporting units comprising more than 3,000 Soldiers. The units are located in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and Louisiana. Bosse quickly began traveling to see subordinate commands and build relationships.

"He drove four hours just to attend our Military Police ball and then turned around to drive four hours back because he had an early flight out in the morning," said Lt. Col. Darwin Hale, commander of 535th Military Police Battalion in Raleigh, N.C. This type of time investment and dedication to Soldiers was the cornerstone of Bosse's command.

"Col. Bosse was a commander at all times. He was available seven days a week for his Soldiers," said Maj. Gen. Adolph McQueen, commander of the 200th Military Police Command.

Because Army Reservists are often considered "part-time" servicemembers, Bosse's visits to units were above duty requirements.

Bosse's fellow Soldiers say he not only exceeded expectations but also rose above tense situations in a professional manner.

"He maintained a level head and let his leaders think through their own problems," said Lt. Col. Martin Nees, group executive officer. "Col. Bosse was never too busy to be cordial."

Bosse will go on to command the 101st Sustainment Brigade at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Cruz' last assignment was as deputy chief of staff G-5, 108th Training Command in Charlotte, N.C.