story by Staff Sgt. Amy Parker, 201st Engineer Battalion
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
[caption id="attachment_10960" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kentucky Guard 201st Engineer Battalion newest commander Lt. Col. Dean Gosney hands off the unit's guideon to Command Sgt. Major Jesse Withers at a change of command ceremony in Clay City, Ky., Oct. 22. (photo by Spc. Megan Caudill, Headquarters Support Company 201st Engineer Battalion)"]
CLAY CITY, Ky. - The Kentucky National Guard's 201st Engineer Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony during their Sapper Challenge training event at the Eastern Kentucky Training Site near Clay City, Ky., Oct 22.
"After 21 years in the unit and 2 and a half years in command, this battalion has become my family," said Lt. Col. Jerry Morrison, outgoing commander. "No matter how hard I pushed, you always responded with more, thank you."
Morrison handed the reins of the 201
st Engineer Battalion to Lt. Col. Dean Gosney.
Gosney's been associated with the Kentucky Guard and the 201st for more than 20 years.
"I'm humbled and honored to take command of the greatest battalion in the state," said Gosney. "These engineers are some of the most highly trained, versatile Soldiers on the battlefield."
Maj. Andrew Caldwell served as the commander of troops, Capt. Derrick Frodge served as the Adjutant and Maj. J.B. Richmond was the narrator.
Morrison’s spouse Becki received a bouquet of red roses. Red is the color of the heart and reflects the loving concern she has shown the 201
st over the last three years. Her roses were in full bloom representing fulfillment of her time with the unit as First Lady.
Gosney’s spouse Karen was also presented with a bouquet of yellow rose buds that symbolize her arrival as the first lady. In time, the roses will blossom as will her relationship with the Soldiers and families.
"I challenge Lt. Col. Gosney to grab the reins and guide them left or right," said Morrison. "You don't need to kick them, just hang on because they're ready to run."