Story by Spc. Harrison Moore, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
GREENVILLE, Ky. – Lt. Col. Gabriel Spicer assumed command of the 751st Troop Command from Lt. Col Adam Kearney during a ceremony at Wendell H. Ford National Guard Training Center October 16, 2020.
Kearney was the commander of the 751st for 18 months. Under his leadership the 751st has stood by ready to provide assistance and support to the citizens of Kentucky and to support the Army’s initiative at home and abroad.
According to Kearney, the 751st has been competitive and has kept a high operational tempo.
“We have had a lot of important missions. The assault company mobilized and the medivac company mobilized to bring them back home. But, taking care of those units and getting them home was our main goal,” said Kearney.
Kearney shared some parting words of encouragement as he handed the Battalion over to Spicer.
“The climb to get to the top seems like the hardest part. But when you get to the top, you realize you have others trying to pass you up. So really, the hard part is maintaining success at a high level and I know you all will continue to do that,” said Kearney.
“He gave us the freedom to do what we needed to do and gave us the flexibility to be able to do the things we needed to meet all of our standards.,” said Sgt. 1st Class Paul Hunt, administrative non-commissioned officer for the 751st.
“One main goal of ours is putting people and Soldiers first. We want to go along with the Army’s new initiative to bring families back into the process of creating a supportive environment,” said Spicer.
Kearney grew up in an aviation unit and mentioned that they didn’t have a true battalion command until 2015. Both Kearney and Spicer said that maintaining the 751st under aviation at battalion level is a huge priority because it has led to much success.
“It is without a doubt the most unique unit in the Kentucky Army National Guard. We have an aviation unit, an aviation support unit, an Army band unit, and the Mobile Public Affairs unit. So every unit has a special mission that requires specific training,” said Kearney.
“I look forward to Spicer’s leadership as he has a certain determination and drive about him. I'm ready to take on the challenge that I know he's going to present to us,” said Hunt.
Spicer concluded by addressing his new troops with a willingness to lead and a view for their future.
“I am most excited about the diversity that we have and the future and potential we have with our senior leaders and younger enlisted to take us to the next level.”