Stophel relinquishes command of Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Afghan battle streamer awarded
US Marine Corps News
9/21/2010
By Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Major William C. Stophel relinquished command of Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, to Lt. Col. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr. during the change of command and battle streamer ceremony here, Sept. 17.
Stophel, a native of Bristol, Tenn., took command of the battalion in July while the unit was actively supporting combat operations in Afghanistan during a seventh month deployment.
In honor of their faithful service, the Afghanistan Campaign Battle Stream was awarded and attached to the battalion colors by Stophel prior to passing the colors to Rizzo.
The unit saw huge successes across the battlespace in Helmand province and as he addressed the battalion one last time, he credited the non-commissioned officer corps for their expert leadership within CLB-6.
“The source of my strength has been one thing – the NCO corps,” said Stophel, as he spoke to the platoons formed within the amphitheater. “They kept me straight and I thank them for everything they did in running the battalion. Marines, it was a pleasure.”
Rizzo, a native of Charlestown, Mass., joins the battalion from the United States Naval War College, where he recently received a Masters Degree in strategic studies.
Upon receiving the battalion’s colors from Stophel, which signified the passing of authority, Rizzo bucked the trend of thanking those in attendance first in favor of addressing his new battalion.
They are the reason we are all here, he noted.
“Marines, every day I will give you everything I have to make this thing work and I want to thank you for all the hard work you have already put in,” said Rizzo.
“Bill; thanks brother. I will do my best to carry on the things you have started with this battalion.”
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