COL Bill Ostlund Takes Command of 3rd Brigade 1st ID at Fort Knox, KY

As I mentioned in my previous post, last week was a busy week.  Apologies for taking so long to get this posted.

On Thursday 21 June 2012 COL Bill Ostlund assumed Command of the Duke Brigade (3rd BDE, 1st ID) from COL Chris Toner at Brooks Field, Fort Knox, KY.  It was a long time coming for a man who has more than earned a Brigade Command.  It was a privilege and a pleasure to be at Fort Knox to witness the Change of Command ceremony.

As we began to assemble around 9:30 for the 10:00 ceremony, the sun was already beating down and the temperature was sweltering.  I was happy to have a seat out of the sun.  I was even more happy to be, literally, surrounded by several Soldiers who have previously served under COL Ostlund in the 173d, 2-503d, the ROCK. 

Front row l to r - Meredith, Lemon, Griffith & Andy Varner (Rudy Varner's granddad)

Back row l to r - Terry, Barberet (decked out in lifeguard clothes) & Varner

At 10:00 we were asked to direct our attention across Brooks Field (which is HUGE) as the Brigade began to march onto the field for the Change of Command Ceremony.  Impressive is an understatement to what it was like to watch 2-2 Infantry "Ramrods", 1-26 Infantry "Blue Spaders", 8-4 Cavalry "Raiders", 1-6 Field Artillery "Centaurs", 3-1 Special Troops Battalion "Valiant Warriors" and 201st Brigade Support Battalion "Thor" march in formation onto the field.  The 113th Army Band "Dragoons" did an exceptional job.  I had chills watching and listening.

Here they come!

After the Introduction, Invocation and Introduction of Special Guests, one of the horses and riders came forward with a basket of red roses for Mrs. Toner and yellow roses for Mrs. Ostlund.

Roses for the outgoing and incoming Commander's wives

Then Mrs. Toner fed a carrot to the horse and gave the rider a basket full for all of the horses.  Just so cool in my opinion!

Mrs. Toner feeding a carrot to one of the horses (sorry my angle was so bad but better view in the video below)

Just after the horse rode away the sound of "BOOM", "BOOM", "BOOM" filled the air as did the smoke from the artillery salute.  Very impressive.

Artillery Salute

The Official Party arrived and began an Inspection of the Troops.

Inspecting the Troops - COL Ostlund on left

Paying respects to Old Glory during inspection of the troops

Inspection almost complete - COL Ostlund on left

After the inspection of the troops was complete the color guard (on horseback) came forward for the National Anthem.  Those horses are amazing!  I highly commend their trainers, riders and support personnel.

Then it was time for the actual Change of Command.  The color guard moved forward.  CSM Brad Meyer received the Battalion flag from them.

CSM Meyer with the Battalion Flag

CSM Meyer handed the flag off to the out going Battalion Commander, COL Toner, who, in turn, handed it off to the Reviewing Officer, Brigadier General Donald M. MacWillie.

CSM Meyer handing the flag over to COL Toner

BG MacWillie then handed the flag over to COL Ostlund the new Commander of 3rd CBT, 1st ID.

BG MacWillie handing the flag to COL Ostlund

COL Toner, BG MacWillie and COL Ostlund then each gave their remarks followed by the troops passing in review.

Passing in Review

COL Ostlund during the Pass In Review.  Not gonna lie - I got teary eyed over this.

CHARGE!!!

After the Change of Command ceremony we were invited to attend the reception which was very nicely done.

Rudy Varner, Cameron Meredith, COL Ostlund, Rob Lemon

and Heather Ostlund

Rudy Varner, Cameron Meredith, me, COL Ostlund, Rob Lemon

Lucky me with Soldiers who formerly served in the ROCK

Me and Heather Ostlund - I love that lady!

I am honored to know Bill, Heather and their sons.  I am grateful for their friendship and couldn't possibly be more proud of or happy for them as they take their place in the history of 3rd BDE, 1st ID.  They have endured way more than necessary to have finally arrived at this more than earned and well deserved assignment.  Congratulations!!!

Helping kev Reintegrate After Deployment - A Photo Essay Part 2

Well.....................it seems kev and I may have overdone it a wee bit last night.  Napped most of today.  (I'm fairly certain someone won't be happy with me for this picture).

kev played a little, ok, a LOT, of World of War

Finally decided to head out around 22:00 to see what we could get into tonight.  kev had one beer and one shot and I had one scotch.  Yep...still in recovery from a fabulous time last night.

Helping kev Reintegrate After Deployment - A Photo Essay Part 1

I arrived at Fort Knox to pick kev up.  Stopped by 6-4 CAV first to say hello to SFC Domingues, MAJ Nelson and others from 6-4 CAV.  Great to see them and meet some new folks who have joined the Squadron since they returned from Afghanistan.

We drove to Louisville and checked into our hotel.  Poor kev...I forgot about how being a passenger with a civlian so soon after a deployment can be a LOT stressful for a Soldier.  He survived and only yelled at me a few times.  Called Uncle Jimbo who was INSANELY jealous he's not here with us.  Yep, he actually admitted that.  Off to dinner, wine, scotch and the traditional Irish Car Bomb.  kev, of course finished his first

Then off to Fourth Street Live

Decided to use the "2 free cover charge" for Howlin' at the Moon.  Good choice!

FINALLY!  That awesome kev smile.  He was starting to relax and was playing "stump the piano guys".  But he didn't!

After "enough" (is there really an "enough" point for liquor when a great friend redeployes?) wine, beer, scotch and shots the jello shots.  Yeah, that's me, scotch in hand taking the jello shot.  Ugh!

Jello shots with whipped cream and scotch...well, my reaction....ewwwwwwwwwwww

kev made friends with one of the piano players who announced "Welcome back from Iraq kev" which precipitated a flourish of free drinks and shots on our table. 

The kev bought Red Headed Sluts shots for everyone who had bought drinks for us.  This picture kev, girlfriend of Sailor and Sailor.  Think kev was toasted yet?  :)

Local businessman, kev and business man's girlfriend.  REALLY nice guy.  Thanked kev over and over and bought kev way too many drinks. :)

Drinking the Red Headed Slut shots

Driving back to Fort Knox so kev can sign in and we can back track to Louisville for Part II.  NOT gonna go into that foolishness.

As we were walking from the car to the visitor's center to get a pass on to Post I heard a female voice call, "Leta."  Huh?  Not many people know I'm here.  I turned around and it was my friend Dbie.  Holy Smokes!  What are the changes of that?  So good to see her.

Got kev signed in and are back at the hotel.  kev is snoring away in preparation for tonight's festivities.  I'm gonna do the same thing.

WELCOME HOME kev.  I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad you are back safely.