Burns takes command of Garrison Command


Catrina Francis
Monitor Staff

CATRINA FRANCIS

Hugh Exton, director of Information Management Agency Southwest Region, passes the Garrison flag to Col. Robert Burns during the Garrison change of command.

---

Col. Bryon Greenwald relinquished command of Garrison Command to Col. Robert Burns at Noel Field July 20.
Greenwald had been the Garrison commander for the last two years. He will move on to the Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

“What a great day for a parade, set beneath the majestic Franklin Mountains on this most beautiful of Army posts – it’s just too bad it happens to be my change of command,” said Greenwald.

Not only did Greenwald pass the guidon, he was also able to keep a promise he made to his two children.
“When I asked them what they wanted for their birthday, they simply asked if they could have their dad back. After two years in command in this high [operational] tempo and high-performing organization, I kept my promise by passing the guidon,” said Greenwald.

Greenwald joked of not only passing the guidon to Burns, but he also had an informal ceremony before the change of command by passing his cell phone to Burns.

Burns most recently served as director of Training, Doctrine, and Leader Development at the United States Army Air Defense Artillery School here.

Burns grew up in Florida and attended the University of Florida, earning an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship. He graduated in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the air defense artillery. He holds a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree from the United States Army War College.

Burns’ military education includes graduation from the ADA Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Service Staff School, the U.S. Army Computer Science School, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Joint and Combined Staff Officers School, the United States Army War College and the U.S. Army Airborne and Air Assault Schools.

Burns’ military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Staff Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Joint Staff Identification Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Army Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge. His unit citations include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and Army Superior Unit Award.

Burns is joined by his wife Linda and their three children, Kellie, Rusty and Ricky.

Upon taking command of Garrison, Burns told the crowd this would be the fourth time since he arrived as a second lieutenant in 1984 the Burns family would call El Paso and the Fort Bliss community their home.
“We consider El Paso and Fort Bliss to be our home. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead Team Bliss at such an important time in history. Bryon, you have built a superb team,” said Burns.

Burns explained there were many challenges ahead, but the future had never been brighter. He also promised his best effort and service to the Soldiers, their families and the community.

“Every mission starts here” he said.

Greenwald explained to the crowd commanding this organization had been the highlight of his career.

“I will never forget it and I will never forget you. I will never forget every mission starts here in the Garrison,” said Greenwald.