By Dawn Arden
Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (July 25, 2018) — Soldiers and civilians with 1st Engineer Brigade welcomed Col. Kip Korth as their new commander in a ceremony held July 11 on Gammon Field.

During the change-of-command ceremony, Korth accepted the unit’s colors as he assumed command from Col. Dale Snider.

In Snider’s farewell message, he said he could not take credit for all of the brigade’s successes during his tenure.

“Sapper Brigade, you are one-of-a-kind,” he said. “I am so very proud of your accomplishments. I am so very proud to be part of this historic unit. I am so very proud to be associated with all of you. I am proud of you.”

He added, “The 1st Engineer Brigade has a diverse and working mission. They’re the best civilians, Soldiers and training partners anyone could ask for; the best drill sergeants, commanders and command sergeants major.”

Brig. Gen. Robert Whittle, U.S. Army Engineer School commandant, said Snider has unlimited potential in the Army.

“He sets the example for others, and he holds his Soldiers to the same standard,” Whittle said. “But most importantly, he knows his Soldiers; he cares about them, he takes initiative, and he’s an expert in his craft.”

Whittle said he is excited to see where Korth takes the brigade with the experience he brings to the job.

“Kip, you’re coming to us with some really great experience,” Whittle said. “You bring with you a lot of great combat experience, and even training foreign nations in combat, that you’re going to be able to apply here at 1st Brigade.”

Korth addressed the brigade.

“To the Soldiers, government civilians and officers of the 1st Engineer Brigade, for many years now you have provided the solid foundation that the Engineer Regiment, our Army and nation relies upon,” he said. “The mission to transform individuals and build strong engineers continues on today with the same desire for excellence and no fear of the challenges ahead.”