Fort McClellan – The 642nd Regional Support Group held its assumption of command ceremony this past Saturday at Fort McClellan, marking a significant transition in leadership. The ceremony’s reviewing officer was Colonel Dawn M. Johnson, Commander of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) is the higher command for the 642nd Regional Support Group.
Colonel Anthony Hudson officially assumed command as the Incoming Commander of the 642nd Regional Support Group. The ceremony was attended by key military figures, including Command Sergeant Major Vincent Scales, the Brigade Chaplain Candidate First Lieutenant Christian Jackson, and Master Sergeant Mellissa Shropshire, who served as the event’s narrator.
The ceremony began with welcome remarks and the arrival of the official party, followed by an invocation by Chaplain Candidate Jackson. Honors to the Nation were rendered before the formal assumption of command took place. Colonel Johnson then delivered remarks, praising the group’s accomplishments and expressing confidence in Colonel Hudson’s leadership.
Colonel Hudson, a Uniontown, Alabama native, enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in Livingston, Alabama, and received his commission as a second lieutenant upon graduating from the Alabama Military Academy Officer Candidate School in 1997. His extensive experience and dedication to service were highlighted in his address to the assembled soldiers and guests.
The ceremony continued with a benediction, the singing of the Army Song, and concluded with final remarks, signaling the start of Hudson’s command.
The 642nd Regional Support Group, located in Decatur, GA, serves as the headquarters for Army Reserve combat service support units located throughout the Southeastern United States. The group provides command and control for 18 units and over 3,000 soldiers, ensuring operational readiness and support.
The event underscored the group’s mission and the seamless transition of leadership, reinforcing the dedication and professionalism of the United States Army Reserve.
In an interview with Colonel Hudson, he highlighted several key experiences and insights from his career that will aid him in his new position. He emphasized that his past deployments have been instrumental in preparing him for the challenges ahead, particularly understanding the comprehensive preparation required for deployment. This includes physical fitness, medical readiness, and job-specific training essential for supporting the warfighter.
Colonel Hudson also spoke about the importance of family for citizen soldiers, who balance civilian and military roles. He noted that deployment significantly impacts families, who often feel the absence of their loved ones deeply. His past experiences have equipped him to guide soldiers in coping with long deployments and maintaining their mental strength.
Reflecting on his time stationed at Fort McClellan, Hudson described it as a homecoming. Having started his basic training there and later returning for Officer Candidate School (OCS), he feels a profound sense of satisfaction and continuity in holding his change of command ceremony at the same location. The training he received at Fort McClellan, particularly through OCS, was pivotal in shaping him into a resilient and competent officer.
In his new role as commander, Hudson’s responsibilities will include command and control, providing leadership, overseeing training, and conducting battlefield circulation to maintain a strong connection with his soldiers. He believes in showing genuine care and concern for his soldiers’ well-being and readiness, ensuring they feel valued and supported in their roles.
Video and Photo Credit to Shasta Jones
