Soldiers with the Colorado Army National Guard’s 169th Field Artillery Brigade welcomed U.S. Army Col. Scot J. Hartman, incoming commander, and bid farewell to U.S. Army Col. Scott M. Sherman, outgoing commander, during a ceremony Sept. 7, 2019, at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center at Fort Carson.
U.S. Army Col. Robert B. Davis, the commander, Land Component Command of the COARNG, and presiding officer over the ceremony, said Sherman transformed the 169th in preparation for future wars.
“Another thing, Scott (Sherman) that really impressed me about what you’ve done – and one thing that we expect all leaders to do – is to build trust and to extend influence,” Davis said. “Please accept my congratulations and thanks for continuing to grow and improve the traditions of the Rocky Mountain Red Lakes, as a highly lethal and incredibly capable force.”
Having seen Hartman grow into a brigade commander, Davis said, “I can’t imagine a better, more qualified and capable officer to take the reins of the ‘Liberator’ brigade.”
Hartman’s latest position was as the commander of the Colorado National Guard’s mobilization and augmentation element to U.S. Northern Command.
“Col. (Scot) Hartman, congratulations to you and Bonnie (wife of Scot Hartman) as you prepare to start this next important chapter in your career,” Davis said. “I am excited to have you in command.”
Hartman enlisted as an infantryman in 1989 and later commissioned from the Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Colorado in 1996. He served in many positions, including recon officer, fire direction officer, battery commander, battalion commander, and many more. His deployments included Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Noble Eagle (twice), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and various state emergencies.
Hartman stood before the Soldiers of the brigade and spoke about the focus of the brigade, where it is headed, the lineage, and how he looks forward to fulfilling the land component commander’s expectations of the brigade.
“Keep up the momentum, keep up the drive, keep up the innovation; build upon what was left behind,” Hartman said.
The incoming commander said he plans for the brigade to live up to the lineage and will make adjustments to learn and grow to meet the needs of the community, state and country.
“I am proud to be given this opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these past great leaders (and) once again to be part of this great organization … I look forward to being part of the next steps,” Hartman said.
Sherman served as the commander of the 169th for two years and will be moving on to be the full-time COARNG chief of staff. He expressed the enjoyment he had as the 169th FAB commander, training the troops and readying them for future wars and operations. He thanked the leaders and Soldiers for their hard work and the privilege to serve alongside each one of them.
“I am followed in command by an extremely well-qualified officer, Col. Scot J. Hartman, an incredible Soldier, field artillery expert, and an excellent battle buddy,” Sherman said. “I can’t think of anyone better suited to take this command. Scot and Barb, congratulations, I know you will excel.”