Warmack to lead 95th CA Brigade.(UPDATE)(Civil Affairs' Michael J. Warmack)

Colonel Ferdinand Irizzary II passed command of the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade to Colonel Michael J. Warmack during a change-of-command ceremony at Meadows Memorial Field Aug. 1. The 95th CA Brigade is the Army's only active-duty Civil Affairs unit.

"Ferd, you've done an absolutely brilliant job," said Lieutenant General Robert W. Wagner, commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command. "I think when you look at Ferd, you see a guy who has energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and a bright mind. He never slows down, and he always has another good idea. He thinks out of the box, makes things happen, and enjoys it each and every day."

Irizzary became the first commander of the 95th CA Brigade in 2006, when the unit was re-designated from the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion.

"The last two years have been a period of extraordinary growth, turbulence and operational tempo," Irizzary said. "It has also been a period of fantastic accomplishments."

Since 2006, the brigade has added a headquarters and three new battalions, he said. It has doubled in personnel, had a 10-fold increase in facilities, tripled its budget and quadrupled the number of missions.

"Through all of this, two things have remained consistent: the tremendous devotion to duty for the Soldiers and their families, and the command climate," he said. "The Soldiers represent the point of the spear for our nation's foreign policy. They take the risk and put their talents on the line in the name of our great nation every day. They have the discipline and skills to destroy an unconventional enemy or nurture a struggling ally."

"It's a proud day for all of you for what you've accomplished," Wagner said, "which is far more than we could ever order you to do. You've gone far beyond anyone's expectations, and I know you'll continue to do that. I would like to welcome your new commander, Colonel Mike Warmack, who is no stranger to the community and is extraordinarily ...