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Sept. 24 was another day of changes for the 18th Engineer Brigade.
Col. Paul Paolozzi took the reins of the 18th Eng. Bde. from Col. Matthew Russell during a formal change of command ceremony at the sports field on Tompkins Barracks, and the 21st Theater Sustainment Command took command and control of the brigade from V Corps.
“It’s an honor to be here today, especially since – along with the change of commanders – we are welcoming this great brigade into the 21st Theater Sustainment Command,” said Brig. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, commanding general of the 21st TSC.
As General McQuistion spoke of the brigade’s recent history, she noted the numerous changes the brigade had experienced because of the Army’s ongoing transformation process.
“If I had to describe this brigade in two words, I’d call you transformation experts,” she said.
Noting she would limit her remarks to some of the outstanding work the engineers performed during Colonel Russell’s command and the brigade’s 15-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, General McQuistion said, “At times, the brigade exercised command and control in all four provinces within Multi-National Division North’s area of operations. In each location, the brigade’s mission changed and expanded, demonstrating the awesome versatility of Colonel Russell’s brigade headquarters and command team.”
Colonel Russell also spoke of transformation-based changes and challenges, noting the fact that the transformed modular brigade headquarters was the first in the Engineer Corps to deploy into a combat theater.
“Engineers who build and fight present the future of our forces,” he said.
Colonel Russell, who will next serve as the director of strategic plans and operations at the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., professed relief in knowing the brigade is in the hands of a superior officer and excellent leader.
“I walk away with a smile on my face knowing that the sky is the limit for this great engineer brigade,” he said.
And General McQuistion agreed.
“While we lose one outstanding commander, we’re very fortunate to welcome another one to our ranks,” she said. “(Colonel Paolozzi) is no stranger to challenges, and I know he will continue the truly extraordinary leadership the Soldiers and families of this unit have come to enjoy.”
Colonel Paolozzi, his wife, Rae Ann, and their children, Aaron and Sarah, join the 18th Eng. Bde. from Washington, D.C., where the colonel served as the military assistant to the assistant secretary of defense for Reserve Affairs.
