Incoming Commander Col. Mike Monnard addresses the Soldiers of the brigade and the attendees during the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade change of command ceremony Friday, on Chaffee Parade Field.
Col. Angelia Farnell handed over command of the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade to Col. Richard Monnard at a change of command ceremony Friday on Chaffee Parade Field here.
Prior to the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Gregg Potter, commanding general, United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, presented Farnell, 111th MI Bde. commander, with the Legion of Merit, and her husband, retired Lt. Col. Carl Wiley, with a certificate of appreciation for patriotic civilian service.
The change of command ceremony dates back to the 18th century during the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. Flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to a particular unit. Soldiers often carried these flags into battle to identify their unit, and as a symbol of their loyalty and trust in the unit and the commander. When a change of command was to take place, the flag was passed to the individual assuming the command. This was accomplished in front of the unit so that all could see and witness their new leader assuming their dutiful position.
In keeping with this military and Army tradition, Farnell, the 111th MI Bde. outgoing commander, passed the unit colors to Potter, presiding officer, officially relinquishing command and responsibilities of the brigade. The colors were then passed to Monnard, who formally assumed command of the 111th MI Bde.
Potter, the presiding officer was first to present his remarks to those in attendance.
“I am honored to preside over a ceremony recognizing the significant contributions of such an accomplished and dedicated leader in Angie Farnell. And furthermore, I am honored to welcome back Colonel Mike Monnard, who will undoubtedly continue the great legacy Angie started,†Potter said.
Maj. Gen. Gregg Potter, commanding general, United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, presents Carl Wiley, spouse of outgoing Commander Col. Angelia Farnell, with a military intelligence pin and certificate of appreciation at the change of command ceremony Friday.
Potter praised Farnell for her many accomplishments during her time commanding the brigade.
“Over the past two years, Angie has touched and enriched the lives of thousands of Soldiers and certainly that of junior leaders through her tenacious drive and charismatic leadership style.
“A natural leader and a competent intelligence professional, she paved the way for future commanders by establishing the precedent for leader engagement and development throughout the brigade. Always the mentor, Angie has sought every opportunity to give back to our future generations by sharing the knowledge she has gained through a dedicated career in service to our nation,†Potter said.
The presiding officer also welcomed the incoming commander.
“We are extremely fortunate to welcome … Colonel Mike and Amy Monnard back as he takes the brigade to the next level.â€
Following Potter’s remarks, Farnell made her way to the podium to offer a few words to the brigade and community she commanded and served for two years.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to once again lead, train, coach and mentor the future of our military. To the Soldiers standing on the field, I could not be prouder of the things you do every day,†said Farnell.
The 111th MI Bde.’s new commander presented a brief summary of his vision for the brigade.
“What Command Sergeant Major Ramsey and I intend to instill into this brigade is a willingness to take the right action, to be accountable, by meeting and enforcing standards, to be committed to mission and team, and to build trust, reliability and faithfulness — to do all of those things, all of the time,†Monnard said.
Incoming Commander Col. Mike Monnard receives the unit colors from Maj. Gen. Gregg Potter, commanding general, United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, during the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade change of command ceremony Friday, on Chaffee Parade Field.
Prior to assuming command of the brigade, Monnard attended and graduated the Air Force Command and Staff College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1987, and served as a counterintelligence agent completing assignments with the 513th MI Bde. and the 470th MI Bde. Monnard was accepted into and completed Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned as an Air Defense Officer in September 1992. He was then assigned to the 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion. He served as a platoon leader, battalion maintenance officer, assistant S3, and battery executive officer at Fort Bliss, Texas, and in the Republic of Korea. Upon return from Korea, Monnard completed the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course and was assigned to the 902nd Military Intelligence Group at Fort Meade, Md.
More recently, Monnard has served as the 304th MI Battalion S3 and the deputy commanding officer for the 111th MI Bde. On June 13, 2008, he took command of the 304th MI Bn. From June 2010 to June 2011 he was assigned to the NATO Training Mission, Afghanistan, and served as the senior advisor to the G2 of the Afghan National Army.
Monnard is married to Amy Monnard, and they have two children, Mary and Max.
