Story By Lynsie Dickerson, Gold Standard Staff Writer (lynsie.m.dickerson.ctr@mail.mil)
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Col. Matthew Rettke, Command of Fort Knox MEDDAC, passes the flag from the outgoing commander of the Fort Knox Warrior Transition Battalion, Lt. Col. Dwight Lewis, to the incoming WTB commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter, during Friday's change of command ceremony (Staff Photo by Lynsie Dickerson)
FORT KNOX, Ky. -- The Fort Knox Warrior Transition Battalion welcomed Lt. Col. Timothy Fanter as its new commander while giving regards to outgoing commander Lt. Col. Dwight Lewis during a change of command ceremony Friday at Smith Physical Fitness Center.
Col. Matthew Rettke, commander of Fort Knox MEDDAC and Ireland Army Community Hospital, was the first of the three speakers. He explained that the WTB gave Soldiers a time and place to heal.
During the ceremony, Lewis explained that healing is the WTB’s top priority, and discussed programs such as Career Education Readiness and Soldier Adaptive Reconditioning program. He also thanked the people he worked with and other leaders, community partners and his friends and Family.
“It has been my pleasure…to command WTB,” Lewis said.
Lewis also left the Soldiers with a bit of advice.
“Soldiers, continue to do great things,” Lewis said. “This is a wonderful opportunity; take full advantage of every opportunity while you’re here.”
Fanter addressed Lewis during his remarks, saying, “You have done a great job and I know I will have to work hard to maintain the high level of professionalism, leadership and service you provided for the past two years, but I am up to the challenge.”
“I am excited about this opportunity and am ready for the challenge of empowering our Soldiers and their Families to build a successful future and accomplish your objectives,” Fanter said.
Fanter, who is a native of Versailles, Ky., was commissioned in 1989 as an infantry officer through ROTC at Westminster College in Missouri. He was also a distinguished military graduate.
During his career, Fanter has served as the commander of the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery in Glasgow, Ky.; assistant professor of Military Science at the University of Kentucky; assistant S-3/simulations officer in 138 Fires Brigade; G-7 plans officer in Multi-National Division, Baghdad (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and S-3 in the 138 Fires Brigade.
Fanter has received many awards and decorations, some of which are the Bronze Star Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal (on Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Commendation Medal (10 OLCs); Army Achievement Medal (six OLCs); Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with M device (2) and Bronze Hourglass); Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with Bronze Star); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Superior Unit Award; Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge and he is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
Fanter has also received awards for his time as a reservist, some of which were given by the state of Kentucky.
During the ceremony, Fanter thanked distinguished guests for their mentorship and leadership, the Fort Knox community for supporting the Soldiers and the battalion, his Family for supporting him throughout his career and the Soldiers themselves.
Fanter said that as he works with the WTB, together they will focus on caring for WTB members and their Families, developing the Soldiers and leaders to build the team and sharing professionalism to build an ethical and moral foundation.
“I ask and expect that you continue to be the professional Soldier that you are,” Fanter said. “Do what is right. Do your best. Act, think, and be the professional Soldier that you are. If you do that, we will all be successful in our mission.”