For the first time since COVD-19 became a reality, a full brigade Change of Command ceremony was conducted June 24 on Watkins Field.

Hosted by Maj. Gen. Stephen Smith, commander, 7th Infantry Division, Col. Jared Bordwell relinquished command of the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team to Col. Kwenton Kuhlman on a beautiful early summer day. Bordwell's next assignment is Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

"His leadership philosophy has been centered on building an unbeatable team," said Smith of Bordwell, "and it is a philosophy that has served your families well."

He went on to acknowledge that he took command of 1-2 SBCT in midst of the everchanging COVID conditions over the past two plus years.

"And now the brigade is full speed ahead to become the most modern Stryker Brigade Combat Team in our Army," continued Smith, "and the common denominator has been Col. Bordwell's leadership."

That leadership sprang from his work to define and hone the brigade's culture.

"I do take pride in our team leading the division across all measurable categories ... I know in my heart that a great unit is defined by its culture," said Bordwell. "It is a culture that places our people first, a culture that is grounded in the five fundamentals of trust, care, communication, pride and collective responsibility. ... Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care."

He added that 1-2 SBCT's soldiers should be proud that they are part of one of the greatest institutions in the country.

"I look forward to joining your team," Kuhlman said to the brigade - his brigade - standing before him.

"I am honored to be here, and I look forward to serving this brigade and its soldiers, as well as working with the surrounding communities. We cannot succeed without them."