Roberts new commander of 1140th Forward Support Co

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- First Lt. Carter Roberts, of Jefferson City, has been appointed the new commander for the 1140th Forward Support Company in Cape Girardeau.

During the ceremony, the unit guidon was passed to Roberts to symbolize the transfer of authority and responsibility.

"First impressions mean a lot and I can summarize my first impression of this unit in one word, professionalism," Roberts told the Soldiers of the 1140th Forward Support Company. "This is one of the easiest commanding transitions I've ever had to do."

Roberts is well-liked by his new Soldiers and staff, who look forward to working with their new commander, said Sgt. 1st Class John Worley, readiness noncommissioned officer for the unit.

"First Lt. Roberts comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the engineer community," said Worley. "We all feel honored to be serving in his command."

Roberts' experience as an engineer Soldiers and his service overseas will be a great asset to the company, said Lt. Col. John Oberkirsch.

"He's going to be a champion of our Soldiers in the field and make sure they get what they need," said Oberkirsch.

Getting what Soldiers need is the primary mission for the 1140th Forward Support Company, which makes sure the five companies of the 1140th Engineer Battalion are supported in the field. Roberts was particularly impressed with how well the Soldiers get their missions accomplished and live up to the company motto.

"You fix them when you say you're going to fix them. You feed them when you say you're going to feed them. And you fuel them when you say you're going to fuel them." Roberts told the Soldiers. "I think you're all doing a great job and I look forward to commanding and working with you."

Roberts has served in the Missouri National Guard since 2002. He deployed with the 1138th Engineer Company in 2007-2007 doing route clearance operations in Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.