21st Special Troops Battalion changes command in ceremony

Story and photos by Brittany Jones
21st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs
Incoming 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s Special Troops Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jason Berdou accepts his new role during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, April 13, at the Kleber Kaserne Gymnasium.

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command said goodbye to Special Troops Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Caprissa S. Brown-Slade and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Williams during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, April 13, at the Kleber Kaserne Gymnasium.

Lt. Col. Jason Berdou and Command Sgt. Maj. Defarreo Poole assume command of the STB. 

Among the attendees for the ceremony were soldiers from the 21st TSC, family members and friends. Special guests included Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble, 21st TSC Commanding General, and Command Sgt. Maj. Alberto Delgado, 21st TSC Senior Enlisted Advisor.

“The only regret I have for this command team is that Command Sergeant Major Williams only took four days of leave during his time servicing command,” Gamble joked as he thanked the duo for its commitment and service.

Brown-Slade and Williams served as the STB’s command team for two-and-a-half years. During their time in command, the battalion helped spearhead the “Not in My Squad” initiative and supported various retention-related programs and projects.

During Brown-Slade’s final words as acting STB Commander, she gave thanks to all members and soldiers involved in making the battalion a success. She also gave special thanks to Williams and noted how their partnership was referred to as “Thunder and Lightning” – illustrating the duo’s ability to effectively and powerfully handle challenges.

Brown-Slade will head to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virgina, where she will serve as Deputy Commanding Officer of the 7th Transportation Brigade.

Williams will be off to Camp Humphreys in South Korea, where he will serve as 8th Army’s G1 Sergeant Major.

“A pledge to our NATO partners and to our gracious German Host: We promise to do our best to continue to foster and strengthen our alliance in the immediate community as well as across Europe as we move from assurance to deterrence,” said Berdou in his first speech as 21st TSC Special Troops Battalion Commander.

Outgoing Special Troops Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Caprissa S. Brown-Slade and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Williams pass the command’s flag during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, April 13, at the Kleber Kaserne Gymnasium.