The 111th Engineer Battalion at Camp Bowie now has a new commander. On July 14, Colonel Tim Senecaut transferred control of the battalion to Lieutenant Colonel Paul Cerniauskas. Senecaut served as battalion commander for nearly four years. Cerniauskas is stepping out of the role of battalion executive officer, a position he has held since August 2009, to take command.
The 111th Engineer Battalion is comprised of ten different companies that house armories in Lewisville, Stephenville, Weatherford, Wylie, Denton, Abilene and San Angelo and Brownwood. The two companies represented in Brownwood are Headquarter and Headquarters Company (HHC) and the 327th Engineer Team.
Another ceremony held July 14 was the uncasing of the battalion colors. This act signified that the Soldiers from the Brownwood and Stephenville units who deployed to Afghanistan in 2011-2012 had returned home. Other activities of the day included several promotions as well as awards presentations for the leadership that represented the deployed and non-deployed units during the Afghanistan mission.
In attendance at the ceremonies were 176th Engineer Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Lester Simpson, family and friends.
Two soldiers that belong to the 111th Engineer Battalion that represent Bangs are Specialist Sherry Carter, and SPC Rick Phelps, who is a full-time soldier within the organization. Several other soldiers who do not belong to the engineer battalion, but work full-time at Camp Bowie include Staff Sergeant Kevin Kelley and Staff Sergeant James Cox.
Pictured above are Colonel Tim Senecaut and Colonel Paul Cerniauskas.
Below are additional photos of the ceremonies. Photos contributed by Rick Phelps.