Historic colors returned to transportation battalion in Europe
Ms. Joy Gillen, widow of U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Ret. Richard Gillen, former commander of the 729th Railway Operating Battalion, poses for a photo with U.S. Army Reserve Col. Ret. Vincent Palmeri, another alumnus of the 729th, and U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Roland Foss, commander of the reestablished 729th Transportation Battalion, following a ceremonial returning of the historic colors to current unit leadership, in New Haven, Conn. on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The original colors, a relic from 1942, adorned with four campaign steamers, were kept by the final battalion commander following the unit's deactivation in 1976. His widow surrendered them to Palmeri, a trusted retired officer for safekeeping, eventually returning them to the current unit leadership of the 729th. The 7th Mission Support Command is the U.S. Army Reserve presence in Europe. Comprised of 26 units across Germany and Italy, the 7th MSC provides logistical and sustainment resources in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa missions. For more stories and information on the 7th Mission Support Command, connect on Facebook @7thmsc. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Maria Casniero, 361st Theater Public Affairs Support Element)