Sad day as unit furls flag (Unit colors furled)

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | July 1, 2005 | Bill Hess

[SandRat]

FORT HUACHUCA - Army traditions means a lot for soldiers and the units in which they serve.

Thursday saw the end of a company at this southern Arizona Army post as those assigned to it transition into another company that is still in the process of being formed.

At a hot breezy morning ceremony near the gazebo on Brown Parade Field, the guidon of Headquarters Company, 306th Military Intelligence Battalion was cased.

Unlike other major ceremonies on the fort, this one was watched by less than 150 people. No band. "The National Anthem" was sung and a recording of the "Army Song" was played.

The deactivation of a unit is a bittersweet moment especially for a commander, Lt. Col. Kenneth Diller said.

But even though the Headquarters Company of his battalion no longer exists, the mission of the unit will continue as the Headquarters Company of the United States Army Intelligence Center and School is activated in a three months, Diller said.

But Capt. Jason Dickerman will not be the new company commander for that will be Maj. Martin Glynn.

Dickerman will be remaining on the fort, becoming part of the training program.

Diller praised the captain saying he did his job "right and to Army standards."

The functions of the now deactivated company took care "of thousands of soldiers and their families," the battalion commander said.

Dickerman said it was a sad day to furl the guidon, ending his command and the existence of the company, but a good day knowing the missions of the unit are important and will continue.

Ceremoniously 1st Sgt. Timothy Soliz took the guidon from its bearer, Spc. Zachary Rapaich.

Presenting the guidon to Diller and Dickerman, Soliz watched as the captain rolled the unit's banner and placed a brown canvas covering over it.

The guidon was then given to Spc. Ivy Antonio, who marched the cased unit banner off the field, signifying Headquarters Company, 306th Military Intelligence Battalion is no longer on the active Army rolls of organizations.

After the ceremony, Diller said on Oct. 1 the new company will be activated and will include 500 soldiers and about 200 civil service employees and contractors, making it the largest company on the fort.

So large will be the new company - about the strength of a battalion - that a major will be in command, he added.

He will know the emotions that Dickerman experienced, for on Sept. 30, he will fold the 306th Military Intelligence Battalion's flag, case it and see it marched off, signifying the end of his unit as an active duty Army organization.

[SandRat]

Sadness and good-bye for an Army Unit.

[bannie]

I'm surprised to find that this made me teary-eyed.

[Americanwolf]

my salute to a docomed unit.

From a saliors perspective I will always take great pride in being connected to my squadron VFA-147 and The USS Nimitz. I know it will be a sad day for me if either is decomed. I can only imagine the emotions of an active duty soldier watching his unit decoming.

[IndyInVa]

I went through the Intel School in '78. But even though the Headquarters Company of his battalion no longer exists, the mission of the unit will continue as the Headquarters Company of the United States Army Intelligence Center and School is activated in a three months, Diller said. So where are they moving? I'm not sure I understand exactly what's going on. Maybe I didn't absorb enough intelligence to understand this. :->

[luvie]

I didn't know anything about this before now, but I know the ones involved are very sad and I salute them! Hope their new home will be welcoming to them!

[SandRat]

A sure sign that inside, no matter what,..... in your heart you are a soldier.

[LibKill]

I have been through this. It is indeed sad when a unit is deactivated, its proud colors furled, "never to be unfurled again."

SALUTE!

[SandRat]

The Bn is gone, it's colors cased and to be shipped to languish in some must storehouse. The Bn's name is to be crossed off the active rolls. A Company commanded by a Major will be activated. Those soldiers who will not remain with the company will be transferred to other units as the Army needs.

[SandRat]

That's what all the services have a formal sponsorship program for and each service member. The each get a member of the gaining unit assigned to help the newbie learn about the new assignement, the locale, etc before they even leave their old assignement, just to help them get settled in and so on.

[yarddog]

I was living in South Georgia when the 24th ID changed to the 3rd. The Division was apparently very proud of the original name and did not want it changed.

I never understood why either unless it was to save ink.

[luvie]

That's good! It is going to be hard enough having to leave their unit in such a way, but not to have support while settling into a new one would be really hurt.

[Snickersnee]

Boiled down to its essential elements, life in the Army is an endless series of hellos and goodbyes. Nothing endures but the Army itself.

[fatima]

Bump SandRat.

[SandRat]

True and you'll see ech other at the next assignment or someone that knew you both at the next assignment.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!!