SCHWETZINGEN, Germany -- Col. Scott A. Petersen assumed command of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's 18th Engineer Brigade during a change of command ceremony held July 27 on Tompkins Barracks.
Petersen, a native of Marinette, Wis., replaced Col. Paul M. Paolozzi who commanded the unit since 2009, culminating with the brigade's deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom.
Maj. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, commanding general of the 21st TSC, praised Paolozzi for his leadership and said he set the tone for the entire brigade.
"I thank you sincerely for your skilled and dedicated leadership," said Piggee. "I know I am speaking for everyone here, as I wish you and Rae Ann the best of luck in your future endeavors as you attend the War College Fellowship Program."
A 1989 U.S. Military Academy graduate, Peterson revealed that he is no stranger to the unit. "Having served as battalion commander in Iraq under this brigade, I can't tell you how honored and happy I am to be back with the 18th," he said.
Petersen takes over as the brigade relocates to Schweinfurt, Germany. "Transitions and change are not new to the 18th. Through this transition, I know that we will reset professionally and get back to training and prepare for future changes," he said.
"The climate I've seen so far is that you have stayed sharp, since I was earlier in the brigade. I look forward to keeping that culture alive, serving Soldiers, families, fellow 'Sappers' in Europe, the 21st TSC and U.S. Army Europe with my best effort grounded in the Army values."
Peterson earned a masters degree in industrial-organizational psychology and business administration and completed the Engineer Officer Advanced Course in 1993.
His assignments include assistant professor in the West Point Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, chief of military training and assistant commandant at the School of Geospatial Intelligence, commander of a five-company unit while deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and executive office to the Chief of Engineers.
A Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, parachutist badge and Bronze Order of the DeFleury Medal are part of his military decorations and awards.
He is married with three children.
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