HARRODSBURG, Ky. –
Soldiers, family members and friends of the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion gathered at the Harrodsburg National Guard Armory as U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric Eastridge assumed command from Lt. Col. Dayna Sanders during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 9.
Sanders relinquished command after leading the battalion since June 2024.
The ceremony included the traditional passing of the battalion colors, symbolizing the transfer of authority and responsibility.
She passed the colors to Col. Jonathan Gocke, commander of the 38th Infantry Division Artillery, who then presented them to Eastridge. Eastridge returned the colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Payton, the battalion’s senior enlisted leader, completing the transfer of command.
During his remarks, Eastridge thanked Sanders for her leadership and contributions to the battalion.
“Command is not easy, and the success of a unit is built over time through the decisions, sacrifices and hard work of its leaders,” Eastridge said.
Eastridge also thanked his family for their support.
During the ceremony, the unit presented his wife with yellow flowers as they welcomed the Family to the battalion.
The 103rd BSB provides sustainment support through maintenance, supply and distribution operations.
Eastridge highlighted the battalion’s recent rotation to the Sustainment Training Center at Camp Dodge, Iowa, as an example of the training needed to prepare Soldiers for future missions.
“This battalion has demonstrated that it is capable of any mission,” Eastridge said. “That kind of training matters. It builds the skills, confidence and readiness we need to succeed.”
Eastridge said the battalion will participate in Northern Strike 27 next year, a multinational exercise designed to build combat readiness and interoperability among U.S. active-duty and reserve forces and international partners. The exercise will give Soldiers an opportunity to test their sustainment capabilities in a demanding training environment.
“To the Soldiers, it is an honor to stand with you today,” Eastridge said. “I am confident in what this battalion can accomplish.”
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