Roth assumes command of the Trailblazers brigade before transformation

  • Published
  • By Army Staff Sgt. J. Epperson
  • 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Col. Thomas J. Roth took the reins of the 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Trailblazers) from Col. Barry K. Williams in a July 15 change-of-command ceremony on Pershing Field at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

This will be the last change of command for the 3rd MEB as it prepares to transform into the 2nd Engineer Brigade later this year.

Guest of honor and keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Raymond P. Palumbo, commander of U.S. Army Alaska, presided over the event while Lt. Col. Kim Zimmerman, deputy commander for the 3rd MEB, served as commander of troops. 

The 3rd MEB's top noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Charlie M. Lane, passed the brigade colors, also performing his final duty, retiring the same day after 32 years of service.

After an inspection of the battalions by both the incoming and outgoing commanders, Palumbo spoke about Williams' impact while in command. 

"His caring leadership is evident that everything the Trailblazers have done to date in their short two-year history," Palumbo said. "It's evident in the families and it's evident in the communities as well. Good luck and God speed."

Williams, the outgoing commander, thanked the 9th Army Band for its performance and recalled his own aspirations about being a trumpet player. 

"I tried out for my high school band and the band director let me blow in the trumpet three times, and told me to go play football," Williams said.

"A thousand things are running through my head right now along with a lot of different emotions and I'm reminded of Queen Elizabeth I," Williams said. "Now here was a woman who had everything. She was a leader and a person who had it all. At the age of 70, while lying on her deathbed she made her most famous quote. 'All my worldly possessions, for just one inch of time'.

"These last words have transcended time," he continued. "I stand here before you right now and I can hear those words echoing around in my mind. All my worldly possessions, and it's not much, for one inch of time to remain the commander of these great Soldiers that stand before you. I want you to know, Soldiers, that I cherished every second."

Roth, the incoming commander, thanked Williams, and said the Soldiers on parade were testament to his leadership and dedication. 

"I am also honored to be witness to Command Sgt. Maj. Lane's last official day in the Army after 32 years of brilliant service to Soldiers, families and our country," he said.
"To the Soldiers and families of this superb brigade, Michelle and I are both deeply humbled and honored to count ourselves among your ranks," Roth said. "Thank you for your service. We are all in; and your needs define our direction and our purpose. I remain always mindful of our Trailblazer brothers and sisters-in-arms who today stand resolutely in harm's way." 

Roth concluded his remarks with a quote from a former instructor at the U.S. Army War College: "Lives of ease are rarely lives of great meaning. The two rarely intersect. The biographies of our heroes and saints and soldiers teach us this. You must understand that the work you are doing and the sacrifices you are making are meaningful, so, please, do not wish for a life of ease."  

Williams' next assignment is to attend the National War College in Washington D.C.    
Activated in October 2009, the 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is comprised of three battalions. It has 26 deployable companies with unique skills and capabilities. At any given time, multiple companies are in different phases of the Army Force Generation Cycle due to ongoing support of world-wide contingency operations.