On behalf of Rail Gunner Officers, NCOs and Soldiers, I’d like to welcome CSM Antonio Dunston to the Rail Gunner family!  As most of you know, we executed the Change of Responsibility on 27 March, and bade farewell to CSM Hughes.  Thank you, CSM Hughes for your 32 years of dedicated service to our Soldiers and our Nation.  We wish you all the best in the future, and hope to see you running on Battalion Avenue!  The 27th was a perfect Fort Hood Day, and with the command teams from 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Corps in attendance, and the Rail Gunner Brigade looked proud and amazing on Cooper Field.  CSM Dunston arrives from Fort Bliss, where he was the Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.  CSM Dunston brings a wealth of experience to our soldiers and we look forward to his leadership in our pursuit of excellence.

     In the weeks to come, our Soldiers will find themselves actively engaged in unit level training events as well as supporting garrison activities.  Events like Spring Cleanup from 10-13 April, Fleet Synthetic Training – Joint from 9-19 April, and the Corps Warfighter Simulation Exercise that spans from now through mid-June will engage our leaders and Soldiers in unique and essential training opportunities.  There are also Soldier-focused team based events here at Fort Hood, like the Ride to Recovery on 19 April, which will honor and support our wounded veterans, and Earth Fest, on 27 April, that will help educate Soldiers and families alike in conservation and good stewardship of our bountiful natural resources available at the Great Place.   

    As the summer quickly approaches, it is essential to focus on safety – from travel to recreation to training – especially with the Texas heat.  Soldiers and families should remain vigilant when participating in well-deserved recreation activities both on water and land.  I would also like to emphasize safety as related to vehicles, whether they are motorcycles, personally owned vehicles, or boats.  It is necessary to remain alert and situationally aware as we enjoy the wonderful weather.  We need each and every one of our Soldiers to achieve victory!  Together, we can continue to do our part in making the Great Place the safest place.

    Again, thanks for all that you do to support our goal of making the 41st Fires Brigade the best unit it can possibly be!  Remember “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast!”  I expect all Rail Gunners to be relentless in their pursuit of excellence.  Your efforts are critical, and will determine if we are to be a part of the type of elite unit that others aspire to emulate.

Rail Gunner Strong!