May 15, 2016 –
RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Col. Jon Blatt assumes command of the Army Reserve’s largest sustainment brigade during a change of command ceremony at March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, California, May 15, 2016.
After graduating from Marshall University, Blatt received his commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in August, 1998. Blatt, a native of West Virginia, spent his career serving in key positions which are crucial to understanding how logistics impacts the warfighter.
He is currently attending the resident Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
“I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. As an old friend of mind says ‘Officers are either in command assignment or preparing for them’ I can tell you that holds true with me. I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Blatt. “I look forward to serving with all of you and look forward to keeping the 304th Sustainment Brigade one of the best in the Army Reserve.”
For outgoing commander, Col. Robin Jones, this not only marked the end of his successful command time but reaching the milestone of retiring with 30-years of service. Jones began his Army career in 1986 receiving his commission from the University of Idaho Reserve Officer Training Corps. Prior to his command he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Information Management (G6) with the 79th Sustainment Support Command, Los Alamitos, California.
“Sometimes in closing moments when something ends you gain a deep clarity of what that event meant to you,” said Jones. “In my moment of clarity I have learned that this Army has made me a better person. To those of you in formation, you are better people because of you service.”
Brig. Gen. David Elwell, Commanding General, 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) presented Jones the Meritorious Service Medal.
“The 304th Sustainment Brigade leads the way in performance and readiness. When the Army deploys it calls upon the 304th to support missions all over the world,” said Elwell. “That is something to be proud of.”
Headquartered at the March Air Reserve Base, the 304th Sustainment Brigade is one of 35 brigades in the U.S. Army configured to support the Army’s rapidly changing combat and support structure. The brigade’s expeditionary capability allows it to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world.