The season of change continued at Fort Polk June 11 as Soldiers and Family members of the 83rd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade wished outgoing commander Lt. Col. Scott Estes a fond farewell while welcoming Lt. Col. Blaine Hedges as their new commander during a 10 a.m. change of command ceremony at 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Field.
Col. Vance Visser, commander, 48th Chem Bde, was first to take the microphone. Visser thanked Estes and his wife Donna, for their work.
“You are a great command team,” Visser said. “Scott, you are an outstanding officer, an exceptional leader, a superb Soldier, a faithful husband and a loving father. You are a man of solid character.”
Visser congratulated Estes on “exceeding the established standard” on every task and earning a reputation for excellence. He then thanked Donna Estes for her work.
“The dedication, hard work and leadership you provided formed the basis of stability and a foundational bedrock that enabled this battalion’s deployed Soldiers to do their jobs, knowing their Family members were well taken care of and supported by home,” he said. “You have done so much in support of your Soldier, and for the battalion’s Soldiers and Family members.”
Visser then welcomed Hedges and his wife, Allison.
“Lieutenant Colonel Hedges is a proven leader and selfless professional,” Visser said. “He and Allison genuinely love and are deeply concerned for Soldiers and their Families.”
Following Visser, Estes took the stand, recalling his nearly two years in command. He asked those gathered to take a moment to reflect upon the service of not only the Soldiers of the 1st MEB, but also all Soldiers currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After thanking those in his chain of command and others who provided guidance and inspiration during his time in command, Estes got a bit more personal.
“These next few thank yous are where it gets a little tough,” Estes said as he swallowed the lump forming in his throat.
First on his list were Maj. Adam Hilburgh and Maj. Sean Crockett.
“Gentlemen, without you, failure would have been more than an option,” Estes said. “It would have been a certainty. Thanks.”
He then turned to his wife and children, Tamara and Curtis.
“Any small contributions I made to this organization during the past 24 months would not have been possible without all three of you there to recenter me when I walked through the door to come home,” he said, brushing away tears. “Please know that I love you all and can’t wait to spend the next 20 hours on the road with you as we make the move back to Virginia.”
In closing, Estes thanked his Soldiers and wished the Hedges best of luck.
“I have no doubt you are the perfect team to carry on the 83rd Chemical Battalion’s proud history and traditions,” he said. “I envy you as you take command and prepare to receive the deployed brigade back from Iraq and Afghanistan. Please do not hesitate to call on Donna and I as you embark on what I am certain will be a challenging and rewarding assignment at Fort Polk.”
Hedges was last to the podium and thanked Visser for the chance to command. He then quickly thanked his Family, friends and Soldiers for their attendance.
“I am immensely proud and honored to be your commander and the best thing I could do for everyone right now is to get you off this field,” Hedges said. “All current policies and procedures remain in effect. Thank you.”
