FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, center, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson; Col. Andrew Steadman, left, incoming commander; and Col. Ike Sallee, outgoing commander, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., stand at attention July 9, 2021, during a change of command ceremony on Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Marsilia)
By Sgt. Matthew Marsilia
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, passes the brigade colors to Col. Andrew Steadman, incoming commander, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., during a change of command ceremony at Founders Field July 9, 2021. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Marsilia)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The “Raider Brigade” welcomed its new commander, Col. Andrew Steadman, to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a change of command ceremony July 9, 2021, at Founders Field on Fort Carson, Colorado.
Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, presided over the event as Col. Ike Sallee passed the command to Steadman.
“It is a great pleasure and a personal honor to be present here for this historic day for the Raider Brigade,” McFarlane said. “This day is not only important for the two selfless and hardworking Army Families in front of us, but for every single Soldier in the brigade.”
Steadman replaced Sallee, who served as the 1st SBCT commander for the past two years. During his tenure, he led the brigade through a rotation at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California; managed the brigade through the COVID-19 pandemic; and through well-executed training, prepared 1st SBCT Soldiers for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
“The hard work and dedication of every single Soldier in the Raider Brigade was paramount to my success as a commander,” said Sallee. “I was given the opportunity to work with some of the best command teams in the Army organization over the past two years. Their sacrifices and tireless efforts made not only me, but the Raider team that much stronger.”
Sallee didn’t hesitate to express his trust and confidence in his successor, Steadman.
“I knew this day was inevitable,” said Sallee. “It saddens me to leave such an amazing team, but I am grateful to hand this command over to Col. Andrew Steadman. I have the utmost confidence that you will continue leading the Raider Brigade at the highest level possible.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Col. Andrew Steadman, incoming commander 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands in view of the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard during a change of command ceremony on Founders Field July 9, 2021. (Photo by Sgt. Matthew Marsilia)
Steadman brings to the brigade an extensive list of achievements and experience. He received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2000 and served as a rifle platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division, rifle and headquarters troop commander in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (SBCT) and squadron and regimental operations officer in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (SBCT). His most recent assignment was the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
“We are excited to have you on the Ivy Team, and extremely lucky to have a great leader take command of the Raider Brigade today,” McFarlane said to Steadman.
Steadman said he and his Family are appreciative for the opportunity to continue serving Soldiers and Families alongside the communities who support them.
“To all the Soldiers out in formation, thank you for representing the Raider Brigade today,” Steadman said. “My Family and I are extremely grateful and humbled to join the team today and look forward to completing every mission and overcoming any obstacle together.”