Thomson Gives Farewell Address After Bringing 1st Brigade Combat Team Home From Iraq

 FORT CAMPBELL, KEN. – Nebraska City native US Army Col. Derek Thomson completed his command of the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Team “Bastogne” with a change of command ceremony on Nov. 22.

Col. Thomson led the 1st Brigade Combat Team for two years and recently brought the brigade home from a nine month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in support of the enduring defeat of ISIS in October.

 

The public affairs office of the 101st Airborne, says Thomson is affectionately known as “Bastogne 6” was recognized with his wife Erin for their service of distinction.

Thomson: “Over the past two years on this journey one word comes to mind – gratitude.”

In his farewell address, Thomson spoke of the brigade's success, the exceptionally tight relationship with Bastogne's community partners and the integral value of soldiers.

 

 During his tenure, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division assumed a joint mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

 Bastogne Soldiers were deployed across Iraq and the Syria border as part of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Maj. Gen. Brian Winski, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, spoke highly of Bastogne brigade and Thomson's efforts during his time in command.

Winski: "Bastogne brigade lived up to their historic legacy and he no doubt built upon that.”

Thomson will head to the United Kingdom for his next assignment.

Bastogne welcomed Col. Robert Born of Burke, Va., as the new commander. Born is a graduate of the US Military Academy and served as an operations officer for the 101st Airborne Division.