Spartan Brigade continues strong legacy with new commander

  • Published
  • By Army Staff Sgt. Jeffrey S. Smith
  • 4-25th ABCT Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Army Col. Matthew W. McFarlane assumed command of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, from outgoing commander Army Col. Morris T. Goins during a change of command ceremony hosted Wednesday at Hangar One.

The event was attended by many dignitaries and family members from JBER, including the commander of Alaskan Command, Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog; and U.S. Army Alaska commander, Maj. Gen. Michael Garrett.

Garrett, who was the 4-25 ABCT's first commanding officer when it was formed in 2005, said he remembers when the Army gave an order to stand up the brigade. Since then, the brigade's colors now bear three combat tour streamers, signifying multiple deployments in its short history.

Garrett said the paratroopers looked great as they stood in formation for the change of command ceremony, and they were representative of the paratroopers who have come before them.

"On many levels this is very special for me," Garrett said. "I fondly recall the hard work by many great men and women, some of who are in this formation and in attendance today, [who built this], the Army's newest airborne brigade combat team."

Goins said when one spells out the word team, the two center letters are "ea," and without the individual "eaches," there would be no team.

Goins thanked each member of his team, starting with JBER and its surrounding communities.

"To the community, (one each), the best community a commander could ever ask for, there are too many to thank," he said. "But know that your efforts will always make us smile and have a special place in our hearts.

"To the 'one each' fallen Soldiers, you will not be forgotten, nor will your families," Goins said. "To the 'one each' paratroopers and to the 'one each' noncommissioned officers in this great organization, your efforts and your sacrifice allowed for the freedoms of many generations to come. To each family represented here today, thanks for being the best that our nation truly has to offer"

Goins thanked many other members of his team, to include company commanders and first sergeants, the brigade staff element, the brigade's battalion commanders, the brigade's deputy commanding officer, Army Lt. Col. Jeremy Miller; and the 4-25 ABCT's command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Gardner.

Lastly, Goins thanked his wife, Yolanda, for her lifelong commitment and continued support.

Goins sent McFarlane and McFarlane's wife, Kelly, his best wishes as he stepped away and relinquished command of the storied brigade.

Goins will take a position in Washington, D.C.

McFarlane expressed his feelings upon taking command.
"I am humbled, but grateful for the privilege of serving in such an outstanding unit on this tremendous joint installation and a very supportive Anchorage community," McFarlane said.

McFarlane thanked Goins and his wife for their help during McFarlane's move and transition into the brigade and Alaska.

McFarlane also thanked many members of the armed services, his parents, his wife, Kelly, and his two sons, Collin and Ryan, for their support throughout his career.
McFarlane took a moment to address the Spartan paratroopers and their families and friends.

McFarlane expressed his feelings at becoming a member of the brigade.

"To the Spartan family: troopers, families and friends of the brigade - the McFarlanes are truly honored to join your ranks," McFarlane said. "To the troopers, I look forward to serving you and soldiering with you each and every day. One team. Arctic Warriors. Sparta lives. Airborne."

The ceremony concluded a long string of change of command ceremonies hosted within the brigade during the last several days, which saw all six of its battalion's receive new commanders.

Soldiers of the 4-25th ABCT have fully returned from their recent deployment to Afghanistan, and the brigade will now focus its attention on retraining to fill its mission as the only Airborne brigade in Pacific Command.