10/22/2012
Men, it's been a great year. I'm so happy and excited to have had the chance to lead you through our first live-fire gunnery and train on our new equipment. I will take so many great memories from this past year with me. Honestly, my heart is with the Infantry. I trust that you will continue the successes of the past year into another era of excellence. The incoming Barbarian 6 has some awesome experiences that I'm positive will impact everyone (including the 20+ Warfighters returning to us from Afghanistan). I've told a select few this before, and I will tell you all, now: I am your Commander--you have served me well. I will be your Commander always.
My heart and the prayers of my family are with PFC Rich Neil, who is fighting Cancer. I gave him the order to beat it. He will--with your support and prayers. God Bless his family and may PFC Neil continue to be an Expert!