New commander takes over on Panzer Kaserne

Story and photo by Rachel Clark
409th Contracting Support Brigade


The 409th Contracting Support Brigade held a change of command ceremony May 10 on the Panzer Parade Field on Panzer Kaserne, welcoming the new commander, Col. William Bailey, and wishing a fond farewell to the outgoing commander, Col. Debra Daniels.

Brig. Gen. Theodore Harrison, the commanding general of the Expeditionary Contracting Command, presided over the ceremony.

After the passing of the colors, Harrison publicly praised Daniels’ leadership and accomplishments.

“Under Deb’s leadership, the 409th CSB has matured into a world-class organization,” he said. “She developed a newly organized military workforce while simultaneously, physically relocating the brigade headquarters and other
key essential contracting offices across Germany, and she did this all while the brigade executed one-third of the ECC’s overarching mission.”

Harrison also welcomed Bailey.

“Bill is highly respected and understands, promotes and values teamwork,” Harrison said. “He brings with him great insight, energy and enthusiasm.”

Bailey expressed appreciation to Daniels and also addressed the Soldiers and staff of the 409th CSB on his plans as the new commander.

“I see that future as extremely bright, not because of what I will do but because of what the Soldiers and civilians of the 409th can accomplish,” Bailey said.

Some of Bailey’s contracting assignments include executive officer to the principal military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army (acquisition, logistics and technology), senior service college fellow at the University of Texas at Austin and the commander of the 902nd Contingency Contracting Battalion.

Daniels is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan for her next assignment where she will assist NATO forces with contracting.