Change of Command, 1st Battalion 113th FA

Article and photos by CPT Jonathan Hearn

On 17 July 2010, LTC Forrest M. Grimes Jr. relinquished command of 1st Battalion 113th Field Artillery to LTC Vernon H. Simpson Jr. at the Charlotte National Guard Armory.  LTC Grimes served as commander of the “Axehandle” battalion since June of 2007, leading his troops through an aggressive pre-mobilization train up and deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

COL Lusk passes the guidon of 1st Battalion 113th FA to incoming commander, LTC Simpson during the ceremony on 17 July 2010.

The Soldiers of 1-113th FA welcomed back a long time leader within the “Axehandle” battalion. LTC Simpson returned to the battalion after a short three year absence. By taking command of the battalion, LTC Simpson became the first and only member to successfully command and lead troops at all positions within the battalion from private to lieutenant colonel. Positions held during his career in 1-113th FA include all positions of a howitzer crew to include Gun Chief, Battalion Operations Sergeant, Battalion S1 and Administrative Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. 

The transfer of authority ceremony took place with a large audience in attendance to include eight former “Axehandle” Battalion Commanders, three former “Axehandle” Battalion Command Sergeant Majors and numerous other former commanders of the Field Artillery community. COL Lusk, the 30th HBCT Commander, oversaw the transfer of authority thanking LTC Grimes for his dedication to the “Old Hickory” Brigade and welcoming back LTC Simpson to the “Old Hickory” Brigade. 

Several past and present commanders and command sergeant majors attended the ceremony. They are CSM Frank Biers, LTC (R) Bernard Funck, COL Mark Strong, LTC Forrest Grimes, Jr., CSM Ralph Johnson, LTC Jamie Mosteller, Jr., LTC Vernon Simpson, Jr., COL (R) Bobby Dowless and BG (R) Mabry Martin.