The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard display the 4th Sustainment Brigade colors at a change of command ceremony July 25, 2017, on Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. David Freydin)
By Sgt. David Freydin
4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Soldiers of the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, welcomed their new commander, Col. Geoff Kent, during a change of command ceremony July 25, 2017, on Founders Field.
Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, officiated the passing of the colors of the “Rough Rider” Brigade from Col. Ronald R. Ragin to Kent.
Command Sgt. Maj. Demetrius Brown handed Ragin the brigade colors for the final time, signifying his last act of allegiance to the outgoing commander
and thanking him for the partnership they have shared. Ragin then passed the colors to Gonsalves, representing his last act as commander and thanked him for the opportunity to lead the brigade. Gonsalves then presented Kent with the colors, signifying his trust in Kent’s abilities to lead and take responsibility of the brigade and its Soldiers. Kent passed the colors to Brown, demonstrating his first act as commander and the confidence he has in his future partnership with the corps of noncommissioned officers.
“While it’s always a sad day to see a member of our team leave the Mountain Post, transition is constant and we are often familiar with that as we say goodbye to the Ragin family,” said Gonsalves. “Now, we welcome the arrival of Col. Kent and his Family to the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson. Welcome to the Army’s best hometown; you have the tremendous privilege of commanding the best and most dynamic sustainment brigade in the Army.”
Col. Geoff Kent, incoming commander, addresses his Soldiers during the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, change of command ceremony July 25, 2017, on Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. David Freydin)
Kent’s previous assignments include headquarters and supply company commander for the 801st Main Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; aide de camp to the commanding general, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Joint Staff J5 staff officer, Pakistan Afghanistan Coordination Cell, Pentagon, Washington D.C.; and executive officer to the deputy commander for support at U.S. Forces Command-Afghanistan, Kabul.
Kent thanked Ragin and his wife for their efforts leading the Rough Rider Brigade and then turned his attention to his new team.
“Soldiers of the 4th Sustainment Brigade, my personal mission is to lead and honor you,” said Kent. “I am here to invest in you and to optimize the talent that you bring. Together, we will discover your fullest potential, and we will help you learn, grow and develop as the leaders that you want to be.”
Ragin assumed command of the 4th SB in July 2015. Under his leadership, the brigade provided materiel readiness, transportation, petroleum, supply support activities, financial support and human resources to the division and across the world.
Col. Ronald R. Ragin, outgoing commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, gives his farewell address during a change of command ceremony July 25, 2017, on Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. David Freydin)
Ragin and his Family will move to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, where he will perform duties as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
“Over the last two years, Ragin’s professionalism, depth and skill is confirmation that his integration ability, responsiveness and forward thinking has earned the Rough Riders their highly respected reputation,” Gonsalves said. “This division has risen to the challenge due to your great leadership and devotion to the team. Under your leadership, the Rough Riders have ensured the success of this division. We wish you the very best as you head to Alabama.”
Ragin said farewell to Fort Carson and then welcomed the Kents.
“I will always remember this great Mountain Post as being part of the greatest division in the Army,” said Ragin. “Geoff and Aimee, I welcome you and your wonderful Family to this awesome experience. You are a tremendous Family, and I am so excited for you and all those Soldiers on the field, because you are a great Family and a leader with a proven record of excellence.”