Lt. Col. Robyn Hamasaki, 63rd Brigade Support Battalion commander, listens to a speech given by Col. Richard Lamb, 311th Sustainment Command commander, during an activation ceremony for the 63rd Brigade Support Battalion Oct. 21, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 63rd BSB is located in southern Las Vegas and chose Nellis AFB as the location of their ceremony due to its close proximity.
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Editor’s Note: Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal, 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs contributed to the writing of this article.
More than 170 Soldiers gathered at the Sports Pavilion here to attend the 63rd Brigade Support Battalion activation ceremony Oct. 21.
The 63rd BSB plans, coordinates, synchronizes, and executes replenishment operations in support of brigade operations. Some of the battalion’s key supply operations include providing food service, basic levels of health care and field maintenance.
The activation of the 63rd BSB will provide support for the 303rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during deployments.
Soldiers of the 63rd BSB and its three companies, dressed in Army Combat Uniforms with the army black beret, presented their guidons for unraveling in a ceremony that had representatives from Nevada Senator Harry Reid’s office, Nevada Congresswoman Shelley Berkley’s office, the United Services Organization, family members, and other military units.
“From the earliest times, warriors used a banner or another symbol to identify specific units and to serve as a rallying point for troops.
In medieval days, the standard or banner was used to signal a general assault, which generated a cry of ‘advance your banners,’” said the Master of Ceremonies to the audience.
U.S. Army Col. Richard Lamb, 311th Rear Detachment commander uncased the colors with U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robyn Hamasaki, 63rd BSB commander, at the pinnacle of the ceremony.
“We get to give 200 percent of ourselves to our families, our friends, and to our nation,” said Hamasaki. “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. Integrity is key, so do the right thing. And lastly, live humbly and serve daily.”
A new building is under construction where the 63rd BSB will operate out of located in Sloan, Nev.
“Standing up a new unit is never an easy task,” Lamb said. “We have more than 15,000 Army Reservists on active duty in over 23 countries”
Lamb further challenged the Soldiers of the 63rd BSB that will be occupying the new building to be good partners and stewards of the Las Vegas and Sloan communities.
The 63rd BSB is still building its personnel roster and they are looking for new and experienced soldiers interested in logistical jobs, said Lamb and Hamasaki. More than 70 Soldiers just returned from their initial training or are preparing to attend their basic initial training slated for assignment to the battalion.
A reception followed the activation that included an awards ceremony, cake cutting ceremony, and pictures with leadership.
