Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras –
The 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment held a change of command ceremony June 4, 2021 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.
U. S. Army Lt. Col. Timothy E. Sartori assumed command from U. S. Army Lt. Col. Adam R. Bock, as the ceremony was presided over by U. S. Army Col. Steven Gventer, Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, on the Soto Cano flight line.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better transition, thank you for this opportunity, I am humbled to be a part of Joint Task Force - Bravo command team 40,” said Sartori. “It is an honor to continue to provide first-class support to our host nation and partners throughout the region, strengthening our relationships across this area of responsibility.”
During his speech, Bock recalled some highlights of his year in command, including the support provided after Hurricanes Eta and Iota wreaked havoc across Central America.
“I am proud to have served with the men and women of the task force, as you protected hundreds of local citizens from perilous, life threatening conditions. Using our helicopters you rescued the wounded from collapsing buildings, conducted challenging roof and tree top extractions, and evacuated families whose homes were destroyed by mountain mudslides and flooded rivers,” said Bock. “When our partners were in need, this team demonstrated our commitment to neighbors and friends throughout Central America, by putting yourself at great personal risk. Through your courage and dedication to a greater purpose you saved countless lives, reduced human suffering, and supported peace and security.”
Humanitarian assistance support provided by the 1-228th Aviation Regiment and Joint Task Force-Bravo included 810 civilians rescued, 349,500 pounds of critical aid delivered, 563,600 pounds of supplies delivered through 295 missions directly following the back-to-back hurricanes in October and November 2020.
The 1-228th Aviation Regiment directly supports the U. S. Southern Command’s engagement and security cooperation strategy.
Missions conducted by this unique unit include countering transnational organized crime, counter-narcotics, aerial firefighting, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, theater security cooperation, building partner capacity, medical evacuation, limited search and rescue, and air movement of people, equipment and supplies throughout Central America and the Caribbean in support of Joint Task Force-Bravo.
Sartori earned his commission in the U.S. Army as an Aviation Officer from Loyola College in 2002. He is a graduate of the Aviation Basic and Advance Course as sell as the Command and Staff College. He recently arrived from Flagstaff, Arizona serving as the Professor of Military Science at Northern Arizona University.
Prior to his arrival to Honduras, Sartori served as the U.S. Army Africa Executive Officer to the Commanding General and Chief of Operations at Vicenza, Italy. His previous field grade assignments include Executive Officer 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, Aviation Officer 10th Special Forces Group, 4th Infantry Division G3 Aviation Officer, and TF Sinai Aviation Commander. Sartori's peacekeeping deployments include Africa with 10th Special Forces Group and Egypt in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization. His combat deployments include Iraq with the 3rd and 1st Infantry Division, and Afghanistan with 4th Infantry Division.
Sartori’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf cluster, Meritorious and Presidential Unit Citation, Airborne Badge, and the Master Aviator Badge.
Sartori and his wife Ashleigh, have two children, Presley and Henry.