By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
FORT RILEY, Kan. - There was a change of command for the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team Wednesday at King Field House on Fort Riley.
In honor of the outgoing 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team commander, Col. Thomas B. "Bull" Smith, the ceremony also
welcomed the incoming brigade commander, Col. Bryan M. Harris,
with the passing of the brigade colors.
"The most significant portion of today is we transferred responsibility,"said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. "We are very lucky to have [Smith] command this formation with his family and then now to move up to be the division
chief of staff. His passion, his presence, his energy, is going to make a difference when we get to Europe."
Smith, a veteran of twenty-six years, assumed command of the 2ABCT in August of 2020.
"It's a great day to be in the Army and even a better day to be a Big Red One Soldier," said Smith. "It's a job well done. The proof is in the safety of our troops, the success of our operations, and the continued challenges that are sent Dagger's way." For his service with the 2ABCT, Smith was awarded the Legion of Merit.
Harris, who grew up in North College Hill in southwestern Ohio, began his Army career on May 30, 1998. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, Harris deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to conduct combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as to the Republic of Korea as part of a brigade rotation. Before assuming command of the 2ABCT, Harris was the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor
Regiment "Dreadnaughts," 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div.