FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers stand in formation welcoming their new commander, Col. Kevin W. Agness, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, during a change of command ceremony July 21, 2021, on Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
By Sgt. James Geelen
4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers render a salute to their new commander, Col. Kevin W. Agness, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, during a change of command ceremony July 21, 2021, on Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Sustainment Brigade “Rough Riders,” 4th Infantry Division, friends, Families and colleagues gathered to welcome a new commander, Col. Kevin W. Agness, to the brigade during a change of command ceremony July 21, 2021, at Founders Field.
Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, presided over the ceremony as Col. Steven E. Putthoff relinquished command to Agness.
“Under Steven’s leadership, the 4th Sustainment Brigade achieved strategic effects across the globe in support of multiple combatant commands, (U.S. Northern Command), (U.S. Southern Command) and (U.S. Central Command),” McFarlane said. “In response to heightened global tensions, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion deployed in support of U.S. Central Command’s contingency plans with no notice.”
Putthoff has served as the 4th SB commander for the past two years. During that period, he successfully led the Soldiers through a multitude of training missions, rotations to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, and various other activities.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Col. Kevin W. Agness, left, incoming commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, receives the colors from Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, signifying his new leadership role July 21, 2021, during a change of command ceremony at Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
“Over the last two years, the brigade has had 14 separate platoon- and company-sized elements participate in four combat training center rotations, 11 units deployed in support of combatant command requirements … support every exercise across Fort Carson, and Rough Riders were some of the first Soldiers deployed across the U.S. in support of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Putthoff said. “Our Soldiers deployed to New York, New Jersey, Los Angles, Seattle and Dallas to set conditions for medical personnel to support hospitals in the hardest hit areas. Everywhere there has been a need, Rough Riders have been present, charging up the hill to the point of need.”
Putthoff didn’t hesitate to express his trust and confidence in his successor.
“When most commanders start to think about the pending change of command, there is some trepidation about handing over the Soldiers and Families we cherish to someone else,” Putthoff said. “As soon as I saw your name on the list to command the brigade, I stopped worrying and actually began looking forward to watching the incredible things you will accomplish with this extraordinary group of Soldiers and leaders.”
Agness said he appreciated the opportunity before him.
“To Maj. Gen. McFarlane, sir, thank you for the opportunity to join this remarkable formation, and to contribute to a legacy of service that dates back to when the division was first established at Camp Green, North Carolina, Dec. 10, 1917,” Agness said. “To the Soldiers on the field, you look remarkable. Thank you for your service and exceptional professionalism. It is a true honor to be joining your ranks.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, render the cannon salute as part of the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., change of command ceremony July 21, 2021, on Founders Field. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus J. Corregidor)