Outgoing leaders passed their positions to incoming leaders at Monday's GCU Army ROTC Change of Command ceremony.
The tradition is observed by the passing of the colors from those leaving their positions to those who will be the next academic year's leadership.
Cadet Mitchell Sullivan relinquished his duties as commander of Task Force Thunder to the incoming commander, Cadet Jacob Doest. Likewise, the cadet executive officer, Cadet Ethan Vail, passed his position to Cadet Austin White.
Cadet John Franke, who served as the outgoing S-3 staff officer, was highlighted for his countless hours of working behind the scenes and his dedication to the program. He was awarded a challenge coin by Lt. Col. Erich Schneider. The presentation of a challenge coin is an old Army tradition in which soldiers are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments by their superiors.
In addition, this ceremony helped Task Force Thunder welcome the new cadre into the program, including Capt. Justin Briggs as the new officer in charge (OIC) and Sgt. 1st Class Jillian Raymond as non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC).
Task Force Thunder said farewell to outgoing NCOIC Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Hall. As a thank you for his efforts in building, empowering and equipping the next generation of Army leaders, he was honored with an engraved brick along the walkway in front of the Lope Shop as permanent mark on the GCU campus to emulate the one he also left on its students.
At the close of the ceremony, the Ranger Challenge team was officially recognized for its hard work and efforts. Team members were presented a Ranger Challenge Tab. This award was earned by competing in the Task Force and Brigade Challenges against the top competitors in 5th Brigade and will be displayed on each of their uniforms.
