The Soldiers of the 155th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) joined family, friends, and community members on July 12 at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in El Monte to witness a milestone event. The battalion marked a change of command from Lt. Col. Valerie Jackson-Manuel to Lt. Col. Evan Carey, an occasion presided over by Col. Leopold Karanikolas, commander of the 304th Sustainment Brigade.
Jackson-Manuel assumed command in April 2023 and was recognized for her leadership and contributions to the battalion. During her tenure, she guided the 155th CSSB through demanding training events such as Warrior Exercise (WAREX) 24-02 and Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) 25-01. Her emphasis on team cohesion, discipline, and logistics readiness prepared the unit for future missions.
Honoring Lt. Col. Jackson-Manuel’s Service
Col. Karanikolas praised Jackson-Manuel for her example of leadership. “Her commitment to Soldier development and mission accomplishment has left a lasting impact on the 155th CSSB,” he said. He emphasized that sustainment units like the 155th are vital to modern military operations.
“Warfare is evolving,” Karanikolas explained. “Logistics and sustainment are decisive factors in the outcome of a mission. The 155th CSSB will be on the front lines of this shift, ensuring that combat forces have the resources to fight and win.”
Beyond training and mission readiness, Jackson-Manuel worked to strengthen community ties. She helped launch Hero in the Shadows, an outreach event supporting homeless veterans in the San Gabriel Valley. The program connected veterans with health care, services, and volunteers dedicated to improving lives.
Looking Ahead with New Leadership
In her farewell remarks, Jackson-Manuel reflected on her time in command. “Serving as the commander of the 155th CSSB has been one of the greatest honors of my military career,” she said. “This team has achieved incredible things, and I have no doubt they will continue to rise under Lt. Col. Carey’s leadership.”
Incoming commander Carey expressed gratitude for the opportunity and outlined his focus on continued readiness and resilience. “It’s an honor to join a unit with such a proud legacy of service, both in uniform and in the community,” he said. “I look forward to building on the momentum established by Lt. Col. Jackson-Manuel.”
Role of the 155th in Future Operations
The 155th CSSB, a subordinate unit of the 304th Sustainment Brigade and the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, provides logistics and sustainment across diverse missions. From fuel and equipment to transportation and supply, the battalion is central to supporting combat forces.
The 311th ESC, headquartered in Los Angeles, commands more than 6,000 Soldiers across the Southwest. Its mission spans Army, joint, and multinational operations, with a focus on leader development, readiness, and support for both wartime and homeland response.
As the Army Reserve adapts to evolving domains of land, air, cyber, and space, sustainment units such as the 155th CSSB will remain essential in sustaining the fight. The change of command marks both a continuation of service and the beginning of a new chapter for the battalion and the El Monte community it calls home.
Information for this article provided by Capt. William Stroud, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. Source: U.S. Army Reserve
