Lee Erwin
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
Fort Campbell, KY. – The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) welcomed a new commander Thursday in a change of command ceremony on Post. Colonel Paul Bontrager relinquished command of the 101st CAB to Colonel Thomas Drew. Hundreds of Wings of Destiny soldiers stood in formation as family members, friends and community leaders filled the stands beside the Division Parade Field.
Commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Brigadier General Mark Stammer spoke about the Brigade and praised their mission in Afghanistan during their recent nine-month deployment. General Stammer also thanked each of the soldier’s family members for the sacrifices they have made.
In his comments Thursday Colonel Bontrager, who has commanded the brigade since 2011 talked about the soldiers of the 101st CAB. “Today is about the Destiny Brigade and these soldiers that stand in front of you. These great Americans and their families who have given so much already and yet prepare again for the next fight,” said Bontrager.
Incoming Commander Colonel Drew also praised the Wings of Destiny soldiers “Standing before you are Screaming Eagle soldiers. Soldiers that recently returned from the unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan where they proved once again that professionalism, tenacity and heroism displayed by the famed Screaming Eagles of WWII are alive and well in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.” Drew said.
One of the special guests attending the 101st CAB change of command ceremony was retired Army Colonel Ted Crozier. Crozier was the first Commander of the brigade when it was known the 160th Aviation Group and then the 101st Aviation Group in 1968 and 1969. Crozier also served as Mayor of Clarksville from 1978-1986.