Woodmansee Takes Command of 2nd Regiment
Story by: Chief Warrant Officer Two Janet Schmelzer
Posted: September 25, 2015
Col. Robert Woodmansee assumed command of the 2nd Regiment, Army Component Command, Texas State Guard, at Camp Swift, Bastrop, Texas, September 19, 2015. Woodmansee accepted the 2nd Regiment colors from Brig. Gen. Howard N. Palmer, Jr., commander, Army Component Command. The 2nd Regiment is trained to provide mission essential tasks, such as shelter operations and food and water distribution, during an emergency or disaster. (Photo by Chief Warrant Officer Two Janet Schmelzer/Released).
CAMP SWIFT, Bastrop, Texas - The 2nd Regiment, Texas State Guard, welcomed a new commander, Col. Robert A. Woodmansee, during an assumption of command ceremony at Camp Swift, Bastrop, September 19, 2015. Woodmansee will lead the 2nd Regiment, with headquarters in Gatesville and three battalions in San Marcos, Gatesville, and Taylor.
"Leading soldiers is an incredible honor,” commented Woodmansee. “But more important, I’m looking forward to both serving and learning from these men and women. They are the ones who are known for their selfless contributions, in the Central Texas community, during times of need. It’s up to me to show them that I’m worthy to be in their ranks.”
Woodmansee received his commission as an armor officer from the United States Military Academy, West Point, in 1984. His military schooling includes the Armor Officer Basic and Advance courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School and the Command and General Staff Officer Course. He is also a graduate of Air Assault, Airborne and Ranger school.
His career includes overseas service in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has served both on active duty and as a member of the Texas Army National Guard.
His command assignments include commander, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor, 2nd Armored Division; commander, Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 144 Infantry, 49th Armored Division; commander, 5th Battalion, 112th Armor, 49th Armored Division; commander, 36th Infantry Division Rear Operations Cell; commander, 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; and commander, Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan.
His operational assignments include three combat tours overseas. In 1990 he deployed for Operation Desert Shield while serving as the Battalion Motor Officer for 3-67 Armor. He later took command of Alpha Company, 3-67 Armor prior to Operation Desert Storm, 1990-1991. His unit culminated operations at what was known as the Highway of Death, the road that leads from Kuwait City to Basra, Iraq.
He deployed to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division, 2009-2010, serving as the Deputy Team Leader for the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team. He helped deliver essential services to the Province of Baghdad, as well as supporting State Department mentoring efforts to the local and provincial leaders of Baghdad.
He deployed to Afghanistan with the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 2012-2013, serving as the commander of Camp Eggers in Kabul. He provided life support and security for over 2,500 personnel from over 20 coalition countries.
Woodmansee joined the Texas State Guard as the Army Component Command chief of staff, February, 2015.
Colonel Woodmansee is married to his 5th grade sweetheart, Caree. They have seven children.