Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Change-of-Command and Retirement

Senior Leader Forum

Colonels and Command Sergeants Major assigned to the Army Sustainment Command around the world:  Kuwait; Hawaii; Korea; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; Kaiserslatuern, Germany; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Hood, TX and Rock Island, IL.

Change-of-Command

The printed program.







The official party enters:  BG Ling, COL Fenlason, COL Halder, CSM White.

Presentation of chocolates to Rafa.

https://lagomarcinos.com/

Presentation of flowers to Leanne Halder.

From the script:

"The history, traditions, and accomplishments of the Army Sustainment Command-Army Reserve Element are embodied in its colors.  Historically, the colors have served as the point around which Soldiers of the organization rallied as they moved forward into combat. The colors have traditionally been at the Commander’s side and were carried forward, even when the Commander fell in combat. All others in the organization might perish, but the colors live on forever. The colors have come to symbolize the authority of command.

The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of command. The Army Sustainment Command-Army Reserve Element Command Sergeant Major is the custodian of the colors and forms the first link in this unbroken chain by passing the colors to Colonel Timothy Fenlason as his last act of authority and allegiance as the commander." 

CSM White preparing to transfer the guidon to COL Fenlason.

Me preparing to transfer the guidon to BG Ling.

Holding the unit guidon for the last time.

"Colonel Fenlason will pass the colors to Brigadier General Ling, the senior Commander, thereby relinquishing his responsibility and authority.  

Brigadier General Ling will then pass the colors to Col Halder entrusting the colors to him signifying the authority and responsibility he now has for the unit. 

By authority of Army Regulation 600-20, paragraph 2-5, Colonel Lance J. Halder assumes command of the Army Sustainment Command-Army Reserve Element, effective 3 May 2019.

Colonel Halder then passes the colors to CSM White returning the colors to the unit’s senior non-commissioned officer; the custodian of the colors.

Command Sergeant Major White receives the colors and the transfer of authority is complete."

Me rambling on for the next to last time.

BG Ling saying wonderful things about my accomplishments.

Retirement Ceremony

Waiting patiently while the order is read for my Legion of Merit.

BG Ling pinning me with the Legion of Merit.

Congratulatory hand shake.

The Certificate.
For exceptionally meritorious service in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating a 30-year career as the Brigade Commander, Anny Sustainment Command-Anny Reserve Element, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. Colonel Fenlason distinguished himself throughout his 30 year career by continually enhancing the readiness and effectiveness of all of the units with which he served. 

As Brigade Commander, Colonel Fenlason deployed ready Soldiers, up to 40% of his command at a time, to support the Anny Field Support Brigades (AFSB) with worldwide missions to include Europe, Southwest Asia, Hawaii, and Korea. Colonel Fenlason maintained strong working relationships with the AFSB Commanders, ensuring their awareness and use of the Anny Reserve Soldiers who serve as combat multipliers for the AFSBs. Colonel Fenlason effectively delegated mission command to his deputy Directors, allowing flexible Battle Assembly schedules that allowed his Soldiers to fully integrate with their respective AFSBs, providing regular operational manpower support to the Active Component. Under Colonel Fenlason's leadership, the Brigade's readiness metrics were among the top in the command. His was the first Brigade to reach 100% for annual influenza vaccinations and improved in all areas including PHA and Dental readiness above 95%, mandatory annual training at over 85% and zero late internal evaluations. 

Colonel Fenlason served as a Brigade Observer Controller/Trainer for the Pacific Training Division, 3rd Brigade, in Camp Parks, California from June 2014 to July 2016 where he expertly planned, coordinated, and executed digitally-based Mission Command Staff training and Military Decision Making process seminars for Guard and Reserve Soldiers across the United States. Recognized as a premier trainer in the Army Reserve, Colonel Fenlason leveraged his exceptional doctrinal background to lead a team of trainers who provided support to Pacific Division exercises to include high visibility events such as Key Resolve, Ulchi Freedom Guard, and Big Lots. Colonel Fenlason and his team received four-star recognition as their performance has tremendous positive impacts on the readiness of the supported units. 

Colonel Fenlason served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G4, for the 104th Training Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington from June 201 l to June 2014. In this role, Colonel Fenlason served as the principle adviser to the Commanding General, 104th Division (Leader Training), for directing, coordinating, and synchronizing the logistical support for 2400 Soldiers, spread across 53 units in the United States. His outstanding performance was recognized in his selection as the top G4 in the 108th Training Command. Under his leadership, the Division was able to resource every need required for its missions, over 200 missions a year with 100% budget execution. Colonel Fenlason's logistical expertise and oversight had a direct impact on over 6,700 ROTC cadets who trained annually at JBLM and Fort Knox, Kentucky. Colonel Fenlason managed with poise and efficiency the MIPRs, IPAC purchases, hand-receipts, and direct fielding of resources required to support this massive annual training event.

Colonel Fenlason served as the Garrison Commander USAR Joint and Special Troops Support Command, Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City, Utah, from December 2009 to June 2011. As Garrison Commander, Colonel Fenlason managed garrison operations and formulated goals, policies, and objectives for the installation. He conducted quarterly Community Council meetings and ensured Soldiers and Family members were aware of and had access to USARC Family Programs, VA, TRI CARE, AAFES, and Employment Partnership information. Colonel Fenlason was also responsible for the post anti-terrorism, force protection, and initiating the ATFP and Emergency notification coordination with the University of Utah police. 

Colonel Fenlason served as a Battalion Commander for the 336th Combat Service Support Battalion in Phoenix, Arizona from January 2008 to December 2009. Colonel Fenlason's Battalion was recognized as the strongest battalion in the 653rd Regional Support Group 
(RSG), a recognition directly attributable to his skillful leadership. Under his tenure, Colonel Fenlason and his staff successfully prepared and mobilized one transportation company, demobilized and reintegrated two transportation detachments, and build a large Family Readiness Group that actively engaged in supporting Soldiers and Families. He also prepared and led his staff in a successful mission as a forward operating base mayor during exercise Pacific Warrior 2008. Colonel Fenlason was hand selected by the RSG Commander to serve as temporary acting commander, leading the brigade during preparation for the USARC Battle Focused Readiness Review while the Brigade Commander and headquarters prepared for deployment. 

Upon retirement, Colonel Fenlason is recognized for distinguished performance of duty that represents exemplary achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army. 

Rafa being presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief of Staff of the Army for his contributions to my career.



Certificate from the Commander-in-Chief, President Trump.


Certificate from the Chief of the Army Reserve, LTG Luckey.


Some of my Soldiers in formation in front of the fifty state flags.

Beginning of the flag folding ceremony.

During the folding.

Presentation of the flag by SFC Dingbaum.

Final salute.






2 comments:

  1. One door closes and another opens. Wonderful photos and ceremony. It must have been pretty emotional for you. Congratulations!!!

    PS: I'm glad Rafa was included.

    ReplyDelete