DECATUR ARMY GUARD ARMORY, March 6, 2010 - Lieutenant Col. Lutalo Olutosin relinquished command of Decatur's 178th Military Police Battalion of the Georgia Army National Guard to Lt. Col. Wallace Steinbrecher of Jasper at a change-of-command ceremony held in the armory drill hall.
Olutosin of Austell, has commanded the 170th since 2008. He also works full-time as executive officer to Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Georgia Army Guard commander. In June, Olutosin moves to the National Guard Bureau in Washington, where he takes over as the bureau's full-time provost marshal.
Steinbrecher, of Jesup, comes to the battalion from his job as executive officer for the Army Guard's Pre-Mobilization Assistance Element (PTAE) at Fort Stewart, Ga.
"Today is a bittersweet occasion, because today I say farewell to a group of Soldiers who know the important role friends, family, employers and loves play in who we are and what we do," Olutosin told those who'd assembled for the mid-morning ceremony. "Most of all they know the importance of taking care of Soldiers."
"I am truly grateful to have had the privilege of commanding such professionals as you over the past 22 months," he concluded.
For his tenure as battalion commander, Olutosin was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by Britt for, "Taking an accomplished unit and leading it to an even higher state of military readiness," according to the award citation. He also received a commander's coin from Col. Keith Knowlton, who commands Columbus' 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The 648th is the MP battalion's parent headquarters.
In a later presentation, Olutosin received the "King Leonidas Spartan Helmet," from Maj. James Collie, the 170th's full-time administrative officer, in recognition of the outgoing commander's commitment to the battalion. It also recognizes the 170th's radio call sign, "Spartan."
"I know you won't forget where you came from, because I also know you'll some day be coming back to us," Britt added. "Thanks for the great job you've done."
Olutosin began his military career as an Air Force aerospace control and warning systems operator. He left the Air Force after four years and joined the Mississippi Army Guard. Olutosin completed Officer Candidate School in 1987, and commissioned as a second lieutenant, Military Police Branch.
He holds a bachelor degree in criminology from Saint Leo University, and a certificate in international conflict resolution.
Olutosin's major awards include the Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal, with two oak leaf clusters; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal, with two oak leaf clusters; Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA); and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (K).
For more images of the 170th MP Battalion, click here.
