The 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team added a scarlet streamer to the Spartan flag and another emblem for soldiers to wear on their blue dress uniforms when the brigade received its third Meritorious Unit Commendation on Tuesday for serving in Iraq.

The Spartans also bid farewell to former 2nd brigade commander Col. Charles Sexton and welcomed new commander Col. Douglas Cardinale in a change-of-command ceremony inside Newman Gym. Sexton and his wife, Melody, announced they will soon depart for their next assignment at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo said he had experienced continuous service with the 2nd brigade, having handed the colors to Sexton when he took command of the unit in 2008. Cucolo said it was appropriate to complete the cycle and transfer the command from Sexton to Cardinale.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way, Chuck,” Cucolo said.

Cucolo’s own change of command ceremony is scheduled for April 15. The general’s next assignment has not yet been announced, according to Fort Stewart public affairs.

Cucolo’s successor is Brig. Gen. Robert B. Abrams who currently serves as his special assistant. Abrams has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general, according to a Department of Defense advisory. Abrams most recently served as commanding general for the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, at Fort Irwin, Calif.

“This outfit has a personality,” Cucolo told those assembled. The general said Spartan soldiers are able to police themselves and adhere to strict discipline.

“And they like to fight,” he added.

For more, pick up a copy of the April 6 edition of the News.