Capt. Richard Bratton, III, from Houston, passed on command of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment in a ceremony last weekend in Iraq.
Bratton assumed command of Company E in October 2006, leading his soldiers through a national training center rotation at Fort Irwin, Calif., and their current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V.
He will be assuming a position as the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s engineer planner.
“Under his leadership, Echo Company has performed over 300 route clearance and sanitation missions,” said Lt. Col. Troy Perry, commander of 2-69 Armor Regt. “He has done an outstanding job and truly leads from the front. We all wish you well at your new job. You’ve left a lasting impression on this company. You will be missed by the battalion immensely.”
During his farewell speech, Bratton reflected on the accomplishments of his former company and thanked them for their service.
“It has been an honor to serve with such fine soldiers, officers and leaders,” he said. “My time in Outlaw Company has been exciting, interesting and something I’ll never forget. When I look back over our last year, I’m astounded by how much the Soldiers of Outlaw company have accomplished.”
The 2-69 Armor Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and is attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.