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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Public Affairs Office 332 Minnesota St., Suite E1500 St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: (651) 290-5807 Fax: (651) 290-5752 cemvp-pa@usace.army.mil
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Col. Daniel C. Koprowski, assumes command of the St. Paul District during a ceremony at the district headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., June 19.
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Col. Michael Price, outgoing St. Paul District commander (left); Maj. Gen. John Peabody, Mississippi Valley Division commander; and Col. Daniel C. Koprowski, St. Paul District commander, listen to a speech during the change of command ceremony at the district headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., June 19.
About 350 people gathered at the district’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., June 19 to say farewell to the outgoing commander while welcoming the new one into the district’s family. Col. Daniel C. Koprowski, the new St. Paul District commander, accepted leadership of the district as the 64th district engineer with the symbolic passing of the colors during a change of command ceremony. “I am keenly aware of the enormous responsibilities that I assume today,” said the New York native. “I am humbled to be a part of an organization that has fulfilled those responsibilities so well [and] for so long. The ceremony, officiated by Maj. Gen. John Peabody, Mississippi Valley Division commander, was attended by both current and former Corps of Engineers employees; federal, state and local partners from communities across the entire district; and friends. A military band with the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division was also on-hand to play music. During his speech Peabody said he recognized the importance of the military ceremony as a symbolic bookend to the end of one command and the beginning of a new one. “A change of command is a time for reflection, as we recall the challenges and accomplishments under one commander and anticipate continuing challenges, new issues and opportunities the next commander will face,” he said. Koprowski echoed that sentiment and said, “There are plenty of both challenges and opportunities ahead, and I look forward to working with all of you to embrace those, as we build a better future for all of our communities.” Prior to this command, Koprowski attended the National War College in Washington, D.C. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Order of the DeFleury Medal. Col. Michael Price, the district’s 63rd commander, thanked everyone for attending the ceremony during his remarks as he reflected on his three years as the district’s commander. “This has been a tremendous tour for me,” he said. “I have been truly honored to stand among these many. I thank each of you for allowing me to represent this district; and not lead you, but serve alongside you.” Price left immediately after the ceremony and assumed command of the Corps of Engineers, Afghanistan District, a few days later.