409th CSB welcomes new commander

Soldiers, civilians and families of the 409th Contracting Support Brigade and the 21st Theater Sustainment Command gathered at Panzer Parade Field to welcome the 409th CSB’s new commander.

Col. Debra Daniels assumed command from Col. Stephen Leisenring July 9 during the change of command ceremony. Colonel Leisenring, the outgoing commander of the 409th CSB, said he had nothing but good things to say about the incoming commander.

“You could not ask for a better officer to assume command,” he said.
Colonel Leisenring also had some words of advice for his former Soldiers who were standing on the field.

“Remember that everything you do is for the Soldiers and their families. All of the things that you have to put up with and all of the processes and procedures that you have to follow are important,” Colonel Leisenring said.

Colonel Daniels also had encouraging words for the Soldiers in her new command.
“I am truly humbled to stand before you and have the opportunity to take command of the greatest contracting support brigade in the United States Army – the 409th,” she said. “I know that when much is given, much is also expected. And I understand that.”

Colonel Leisenring has served as the commander of the 409th CSB since its activation in September 2007. His next assignment is with the Mission Installation Contacting Command at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Colonel Daniels was previously assigned to the European Contracting Command as the commander of the Wiesbaden Contracting Center. She also served as the executive officer for the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisitions, logistics and technology and as the director of contract operations for the assistant deputy assistant secretary of the Army for procurement.

The 409th CSB plans and executes contingency, operational and sustainment contracting in support of U.S. Army Europe and the 7th Army as well as U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. The 409th CSB falls under the operational control of the 21st TSC.

“The unit you see before you is the first operational contracting brigade and, in my opinion, the premier contracting support organization in the Army,” said Maj. Gen. Yves Fontaine, commanding general of the 21st TSC, who officiated over the ceremony and provided opening remarks.