Story by 1st Lt. Grace Begovich, 103rd Brigade Support Battalion
HARRODSBURG,
Ky. – Lt. Col. John F. Harvey transferred command of the 103rd Brigade Support
Battalion to Lt. Col. Michael B. Sharp during a change of command ceremony
Sept.15 at Old Fort Harrod State Park.
Col. Ronnie Barnes
addressed the troops of the 103rd, speaking highly of both the outgoing and
incoming Battalion Commanders.
“Today is a
great day for the 103rd as we have witnessed the passing of the colors from one
great leader to another,” said Barnes.
“Lt. Col.
Harvey, your performance has been exceptional, “ Barnes continued. “You and
your Soldiers have progressed immensely through your command. Lt. Col. Sharp,
you’ve got a hard act to follow however I know you’re the right leader for the
job. The BSB has a proud lineage as logisticians and supporters.”
The outgoing
commander shared his thoughts about his time with the unit.
“Being the Battalion Commander of the 103rd
BSB has been the highlight of my career, said Harvey. “The men and women of
this battalion have been proven to be driven and eager to learn. Each Soldier I
encountered worked incredibly hard out of pride and sense of duty. I have the
upmost respect for every Soldier in the battalion based on the skills they
possess and the effort you’ve given.”
Sharp now
assumes command of the 103rd, having spent 19 years in uniform. He was
commissioned as a second lieutenant at the University of Kentucky in 2003 as a Quartermaster
Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Transylvania University and a
Masters of Education degree from the University of Kentucky.
Sharp thanked
those who led him to his new command.
“Finally, as
any quality officer will tell you, you must listen to the experienced NCOs in
your formation,” said Sharp. "I would not be standing here today if I was
not coached and mentored in my early years as a lieutenant without the NCOs of
the 10th Quartermaster Company. Many of these Soldiers are here today, standing
behind the formation.”
Sharp also
admired the footsteps of his predecessor.
“I want to
thank Lt. Col. Harvey. It is apparent to me that you are leaving the battalion
in a better shape than you received it, and I truly mean that.”
Several
notable personnel attended the ceremony, including Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell,
the Kentucky National Guard Deputy Adjutant General, Col. Ronnie Barnes, 138th
Field Artillery Brigade Commander, Col. Brian Wertzler, Col. Robert Larkin,
Col. Andy Bates, Command Sgt. Major David Miller, Sgt. Major Keith Payton, and
Retired Army Col. Calvin Covany, a previous 103rd BSB Commander.
Harvey’s new
assignment will be as the Logistics Chief for the Wendell H. Ford Regional
Training Center.