Members of the 759th Military Police Battalion welcomed Lt. Col. Christopher Heberer and Command Sgt. Maj. Barry Oakes as the new commander and senior enlisted leader during a change of command and change of responsibility ceremony, June 29.
"The capabilities officers and senior enlisted leaders provide is more important than ever," said Col. Patrick Williams, commander, 89th MP Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
Williams presided over the ceremony, accepting the battalion's colors and the symbolic relinquishment of command by Lt. Col. Christopher Burns and responsibility by Sgt. Maj. Larry Orvis.
"Today, the battalion lost an outstanding command team, but the team is stacked and the unit welcomes another outstanding officer and command team," Williams said.
Heberer greeted his Soldiers and their loved ones with words of reassurance.
"The Army is the strength of the nation and the strength of the Army is our people," he said. "The strength of our nation is present on this field."
A Cañon City native, Heberer served as operations officer with the 4th Infantry Division Provost Marshal's Office from December 2011 until June. He deployed in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In addition to completing numerous MP courses, Heberer also graduated from the Command and General Staff College and completed the 82nd Airborne Division's Jump Masters Course, Air Assault School and Airborne School.
Heberer said he plans to build confidence in his Soldiers by establishing a mutual confidence with their leaders.
In his closing remarks, Heberer praised the efforts of the former command team.
"You've set a good example," he said.
In his final remarks to the MPs, Burns thanked them for their commitment to the mission.
"It's been a tremendous honor serving you these last couple of years," he said. "Leading this battalion has been the highlight of my career."
Burns served as battalion commander since 2010, preparing three companies for deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After relinquishing command, Burns will prepare for his own deployment to Afghanistan as executive officer to the commanding general, Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435.
Burns closed with words of advice for his replacement.
"Enjoy every minute of it," he said. "Two years goes by very quickly. Best of luck."
Social Sharing