ARRTC cases colors at Fort McCoy, moves to Fort Knox

By Fort McCoy Public AffairsJune 10, 2011

ARRTC cases colors at Fort McCoy, moves to Fort Knox
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT McCOY, Wis. -- To conclude its 35 years as a tenant activity at Fort McCoy, Wis., the Army Reserve Readiness Training Center (ARRTC) held a flag-casing ceremony June 3. It was the last official act of the organization’s rich history and proud service at the installation.

Col. Aaron T. Walter, current ARRTC commandant, and Command Sgt. Maj. Peter J. Sabo performed the casing of the unit’s colors. The ARRTC is moving to Fort Knox, Ky. as the result of a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision.

Walter was the guest speaker for the event.

“Those attending the ceremony are representative of the tremendous support the ARRTC has received at Fort McCoy throughout its 35-year history,” Walter said.

“We gather together to commemorate and reflect back on the ARRTC’s proud and splendiferous 35-year presence here at Fort McCoy,” Walter said.

Many installation organizations were represented. The ARRTC’s “neighbors” " Headquarters, 88th Regional Support Command " provided the 484th U.S. Army Band from Milwaukee, Wis. to support the ceremony with music, including the National Anthem and the Army Song.

“I know we have a lot of people here from across the installation,” Walter said. “Most have been supporting us " perhaps under a different name then " since our inception. Others came online later, but regardless of when their support started, all have done a magnificent job of supporting this organization, and its most-important asset " its employees " over the years. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication and goodwill to the ARRTC in whatever capacity you supported us in.”

“I can attest to that not only as the commandant, but also as a former student,” he said. “I know that support will continue for many years to come for our subordinate unit that remains on post, the superb Noncommissioned Officer Academy. All of the units (at Fort McCoy) have had our back during our transition to Fort Knox, and we won’t forget it.”

“The support for the ARRTC extends well beyond the borders of the installation, into the cities of La Crosse, Sparta and Tomah, even as far away as Eau Claire,” he said. “Those cities have always supported those who work and live on Fort McCoy in ways both large and small.”

“We thank you for your unwavering and patriotic support,” he said. “We are sad to leave Wisconsin and this outstanding facility, even as our new home and new facility awaits us at Fort Knox,” he said.

Scott Scholl of the ARRTC served as the ceremony narrator. “The flag casing symbolizes the move of the command from Fort McCoy to Fort Knox,” he said.

The colors will remain cased until an activation ceremony is held Aug. 5 at Fort Knox, Ky., days before the organization begins its first classes and again proudly serves as “the Schoolhouse of the Army Reserve” at its new home, Scholl said.