HARRODSBURG, Ky. –
Soldiers, friends, and family gathered as the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) said farewell to one command team and welcomed another during a dual-ceremony at Campbellsville University Harrodsburg Athletic Center in Harrodsburg, June 14, 2024.
The dual ceremony included a formal change of command and a formal change of responsibility to honor, both, incoming and outgoing commander and senior enlisted advisor for the unit.
Starting the day’s event, Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Payton took over the role of senior enlisted advisor from Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Render.
Immediately following the change of responsibility, Lt. Col. Dayna Sanders assumed command of the battalion from Lt. Col. Esther Platt, who had led the BSB through numerous successful missions and training exercises.
The commander of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB), Col. Jonathan Gocke spoke on behalf of the departing leadership.
“Today we honor Lt. Col. Platt and Command Sgt. Maj. Render for their exemplary service and celebrate their achievements,” said Gocke. “Their leadership has been instrumental in the success of the 103rd BSB.”
Platt spoke of her pride in the battalion's accomplishments during her command.
“Serving as your commander has been the highlight of my career,” she said. “Your dedication and professionalism have been unmatched.”
She highlighted the unit’s readiness and the successful completion of several key operations, attributing these achievements to the hard work of the Soldiers and her staff.
The incoming commander, Sanders, brings extensive experience and a new vision for the battalion.
“I am excited to lead this exceptional unit and build on the strong foundation laid by Lt. Col. Platt. Together, we will continue to excel and uphold the high standards of the 103rd BSB,” said Sanders.
Render, also celebrating retirement after 42 years, reflected on his time with the battalion.
“It has been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated professionals,” Render said. “I am confident that Command Sgt. Maj. Payton will continue this tradition of excellence.”
Payton expressed his enthusiasm for joining the battalion.
“I am honored to be here and eager to work with each of you to achieve our mission goals,” he said. “We will continue to uphold the legacy of excellence and commitment.”
The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of the battalion's commitment to its mission and values.
The 103rd BSB stands ready to face future challenges, maintaining the high standards and dedication exemplified by its leaders, past and present.