SAN ANTONIO (April 8, 2014) -- Lt. Gen. David Halverson took command of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command from Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter during a ceremony on MacArthur Parade Field, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston April 8.
Halverson, who also becomes the Army's Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, or ACSIM, came to U.S. Army Installation Management Command, known as IMCOM, from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, where he served as deputy commanding general for almost two years.
"When we go to war, it is IMCOM that stays home and takes care of our families," said Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John Campbell, who presided over the ceremony. "So, we put our best and brightest to that task. I have full faith in this new team."
Campbell congratulated Halverson on his accomplishments and for his ability to carry on, facing the challenges of today's Army.
The ceremony was attended by Joint Base San Antonio senior leaders, civic partners from the City of San Antonio, and IMCOM region and garrison command teams, headquarters staff, employees and families.
In his first address as the ACSIM and IMCOM commanding general, Halverson expressed gratitude for his family and the opportunity to lead IMCOM. Halverson pledged to continue unwavering in the service of Soldiers and families.
"Karen and I are so pleased and proud to be here today," Halverson said. "We're excited to continue to serve. To Mike and Margie (Lt. Gen. and Mrs. Ferriter), I would like to especially thank you both for your hard work. IMCOM and ACSIM set the conditions of Army success."
Halverson concluded his remarks by saying that both he and his wife, Karen would put every effort into ensuring the continued success of the command and looked forward most to getting to know the team.
A West Point graduate, Halverson served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to joining U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, he served as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, Okla.
Campbell said that as a long-time friend and battle buddy of both incoming and outgoing general officers, he was especially glad to preside. He commended Ferriter for his tireless efforts in support of the Army family.
"I've known Mike Ferriter for 30 years. Mike Ferriter's accomplishments reflect his will and his work. Under his leadership, IMCOM has excelled," said Campbell.
The Army Vice Chief of Staff cited Ferriter's many accomplishments in support of Army communities, such as Gold Star recognition and survivor support, instituting a culture of fitness, defining IMCOM's roles in readiness and resilience and above all team building.
"Mike is a team player, who builds cohesion and, as he so often remarks, always plays with his cards out," Campbell explained.
Ferriter served as both the ACSIM and IMCOM commander since November 2011. Under his leadership, IMCOM successfully navigated through many challenges, such as sequestration and government shutdown. He worked to raise awareness of critical issues affecting Soldiers, families and civilians. Under his command, IMCOM improved Child Development Center processes, broadened access to services for Gold Star families -- survivors of the fallen -- and helped define Army Readiness and Resilience through more than 150 programs and services.
"IMCOM has global reach," said Ferriter, at the ceremony. "Two thirds of the world is covered by water and the other third is covered by IMCOM."
Drawing attention to the impact that the command has on Army mission success, Ferriter recalled his proudest work -- honoring survivors.
"Somewhere in the Army today is a two-year-old whose father or mother was killed in combat," he said. "[Caring for him] - that's what it's all about."
Ferriter intends to retire this year. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Fort Benning, Ga., with his wife, Margie and a host of family and friends attending.
Ferriter had special words of thanks for the Gold Star families in attendance and for their courage to tell their stories for a series of public service announcements. He recognized his family, including his father, now deceased who entered the Army as a private, fought during WWII and raised a "great Army family"; his brother, John Ferriter, for his inspiration and his wife.
"Margie, I couldn't have done this without you," Ferriter said. Lastly to the men and women of Installation Management Command he gave one last order, "Do your best and never, never, never quit."
Related Links:
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell
Army.mil: Inside the Army News
STAND-TO!: Survivor Outreach Services
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson biography
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell on Facebook
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