MANNHEIM, Germany " More than 1,500 Soldiers, family members and civilians of the 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, were on hand to welcome a new commander during a change of command ceremony held on Benjamin Franklin Village here July 15.
The incoming commander, Col. Brian Bisacre, a native of Wakefield, Massachusetts, brings nearly 22 years of military experience with him to the command. He has previously served with units such as the 25th Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 8th Military Police Brigade and the United States Northern Command just to name a few.
"It was my great honor and privilege to take command of this storied brigade,” said Bisacre. “Every change of command ceremony is special. It represents change as the outgoing commander hands the colors to his successor, and preserves continuity through the celebration of both the rich history and traditions of the unit and the numerous accomplishments of the outgoing commander.”
Maj. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, the commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, presided over the ceremony.
“I know the Bisacres will continue the exceptional leadership the 18th MP Brigade and their families have come to expect and we are delighted to have you on the team,” said McQuistion.
“My change of command was made even more special as it also marked and celebrated the retirement of Col. Tom Evans, the outgoing brigade commander,” Bisacre said after the ceremony had concluded.
Evans, a native of Columbia, Louisiana, left the 18th MP Bde. and the Army after 32 years of dedicated service. His commitment and selfless service to the nation were highlighted during the ceremony.
Spending more than eight years of his career in Germany, Evans commanded at every level within the 18th Military Police Brigade, from company to battalion to brigade. He also deployed with the Brigade to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Tom Evans’ legacy is now etched into the history of this great Brigade forever. On behalf of all the Soldiers and Families of the 18th Military Police Brigade, we wish them the very best as they transition to the next chapter of their lives,” said Bisacre.
“Tom is a unique leader, a thorough professional and someone who brings this fantastic energy and light heartedness into everything he does. He takes his job and his unit very seriously but he does not take himself so,” said McQuistion. “We wish him all the best as he heads to Amarillo, Texas. Amarillo is about to get a lot more fun.”
“As this chapter of the Brigade closes, another opens, my wife Cyndi and I are humbled and honored to join the Brigade’s ranks. We want to thank the wonderful people we have met who have assisted us during this transition,” said Bisacre.
“We could not feel more welcome. I am truly honored to command this historic and storied brigade, and will strive everyday to make our brigade better,” said Bisacre,” he added.
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