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Greetings from Fort Stewart! It is truly an honor to return home to Task Force 2-7 Infantry. I am humbled by the great work that our Soldiers do everyday. On March 25th I assumed command of TF 2-7 IN from LTC Greg Sierra on Cottrell Field. Many of you were able to join us for this special occasion and I was delighted to be able to meet you and thank you for your continued support. I'd like to start by thanking LTC Sierra and his wife Courtney. Many of you are well aware of the many sacrifices they made during three years as the Willing and Able Command Team. LTC Sierra has moved on to assume duties as G3 for the National Training Center at Fort Irwin. We want to wish he and Courtney the best as they embark on their new assignment. My wife Teri and I remain indebted to them for turning over such a great organization and ensuring a smooth transition.
By the time you're reading this newsletter, I will have been in command for about 90 days. As many of you can appreciate, the time seems to have flown by. During our RESET operations we have seen significant turnover of personnel across the battalion to include our command sergeant major, battalion operations officer, and four company commanders.
What has not changed is the spirit and pride in being part of such a historic and accomplished unit. We have been preparing for the next fight by running small arms gunnery, land navigation, weapons qualification, and preparing for Expert Infantryman Badge competition which starts on 28 Jun 11. Soon we will receive the newest equipment in our Army’s inventory when we receive M1A2 Abrams Tanks and M2A3 Bradleys and begin collective maneuver training.
Most recently, CSM Sean Burns and I had the opportunity to represent the 3ID and 7th Infantry Regiment at several Memorial Day services and a plaque unveiling at Zeppelin Field in Nuremburg, Germany commerating the 3ID’s capturing of the city in 1945. We traveled with former 2-7 IN member, John Miller, along with representatives of the 3ID Society. CSM Burns and I gained an immense appreciation for the sacrifices and accomplishments of our Cottonbaler Veterans from WWI and WWII. Their legacy is forever etched in our illustrious history.
Again, thanks for your continued support to the Cottonbaler Family.
COTTONBALERS BY GOD!
- Willing and Able,
- “TK”
- LTC Todd Kelly
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