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SCHWETZINGEN CASTLE, Germany — On the grounds of this ancient castle just outside of Heidelberg, the U.S. Army NATO Brigade bid farewell to not only it’s commander for the past two years, Col. BJ Constantine, but to the Heidelberg area and Tomkins Barracks specifically in a combination change of command, change of responsibility and casing of the colors ceremony.
“It seems like only yesterday I stood in a ceremony on Tompkins Barracks to assume command of this brigade. In fact, the date was July 27, 2010,” Constantine said during his farewell comments. “I am honored and humbled to have been associated with this fine organization and the Soldiers, civilian team members and family members that are the USANATO Brigade.”
Also during his remarks, Constantine praised the brigade’s Soldiers for their hard work and dedication to the mission as well as his battalion command teams in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy.
“I could not have asked for a better team of leaders. I am continually impressed by your professionalism, your passion, your stamina, and your loyalty to me and your Soldiers,” Constantine said. “Thank you for all you continue to do to lead, train and care for your Soldiers and their families.”
This was Constantine’s second time commanding within U.S. Army NATO. Previously, he was the battalion commander for the Allied Forces North Battalion in the Netherlands.
Taking over the reins of a brigade that encompasses 37 separate locations in 14 countries is Col. Robert S. Larsen. He’s no stranger to this area of Germany as he previously served in U.S. Army Europe as the director of the USAEUR chorus.
“I am humbled and realize I have been given much, and much is expected,” Larsen said about taking over the brigade. “I assure you, I am here to serve you.”
As the brigade colors were passed from outgoing to incoming, at the same time and almost unnoticed, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark K. Schindler quietly stepped to the side and allowed his replacement, Command Sgt. Maj. Joanne M. Cox, to take his place and receive the colors from Larsen, completing the change of the brigade command team.
“Today does not truly allow me to thank everyone who has made a real difference during our stay in this great unit,” Schindler said. “This ceremony is not just about the celebration of who we are in the U.S. Army, but also a celebration of the unit we serve, U.S. Army NATO.”
Cox comes to the brigade from the Second Infantry Division in Fort Lewis, Wash., and is no stranger to U.S. Army NATO either, having previously served as the battalion command sergeant major for the AFNORTH battalion in Brunssum, the Netherlands.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve with and for the leaders, Soldiers, civilians, family members and partners of U.S. Army NATO,” Cox said during her remarks. “I will carry forward the positive, capable leadership provided by CSM Schindler as we adapt to the evolving NATO mission.”
The final piece to this late afternoon ceremony was bittersweet. After 65 years of the U.S. Army and its Soldiers and families calling Schwetzingen home, the U.S. Army NATO Brigade cased its colors, officially marking the start of the brigade’s move to its new home at Sembach Kaserne and becoming part of the KMC.
U.S. Army NATO Commander Maj. Gen. James C. Boozer thanked the local leaders in attendance for their support of the U.S. military over the last six decades.
“To the leaders and citizens of Schwetzingen, thank you. Thank you for over 65 years of friendship and hospitality to U.S. Army forces in Germany, for embracing and sharing your beautiful city with us,” he said. “It’s hard to believe we won’t be making anymore memories here with our friends.”
The first Soldiers from the NATO brigade are scheduled to begin moving into their new building on Sembach by the middle of August.
