FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The transition of power from one commander to another has been a tradition in the United States Army for 243 years. The Dragoons, 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment are of no exception to this tradition.
On May 24, 2018, Army Reserve Lt. Col. John D. Watson, passed command of 2nd Battalion to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn D. Sumter during ceremony at Gammon Field.
The Dragoon battalion, comprised of Drill Sergeants from the active Army component and Army Reserve 95th Training Division, 108th Training Command, Initial Entry Training was reactivated in June 2017; its mission, to train Basic Combat Training Soldiers.
Now, almost a year later, the reorganized and dutiful battalion is saying their goodbyes.
The ceremony was presided over by Col. D. Sean Crockett, commander, 3rd Chemical Brigade, who congratulated the formation on their success over the past year, showing appreciation for the hard work of the Soldiers, Leaders and support of the family members.
”None of the missions success that 2-48th has realized today would be possible without the support of the 95th Training Division, and the firm steady leadership of Lt. Col. Watson and Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Gonzales,” said Crockett during his speech.
Crockett continued to express his appreciation of the leadership continuity and abilities of Watson and Gonzales.
“Essentially building an airplane in flight, John and his team lead this organization with poise and grace during times of both adversity and success,” said Crockett.
Next, Watson approached the podium and reflected proudly upon the accomplishments of his Soldiers during his year in command, his appreciation of Command Sgt. Maj. Gonzales, and the teams and guidance that help with the success of the reorganization of 2-48th.
“I believe that the success that we have had here will resonate throughout both TRADOC and the Army Reserve as an example of what real partnership between the components looks like, ” said Watson.
Watson arrived at Fort Leonard Wood in May of 2017, where he helped USAR volunteers to build 2-48th and increase the end strength of the Army between the Army components.
“I challenge anyone here on Fort Leonard Wood to show me where one component begins and another ends, we showed everyone that we are as real as anyone and that Reserve Soldiers can accomplish anything,” said Watson.