SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Col. Richard A. Fromm took command of U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii from Col. Daniel Whitney during a change of command ceremony, here, May 13.
Coming to Hawaii from Kuwait, where he served the U.S. Army Central Command as the Air and Missile Defense Division chief, Fromm began his career as a Chemical Branch officer before an early transfer to Air Defense Artillery.
He will now oversee services for 95,000-plus customers across the garrison's 22 installations and training areas on Oahu and the Big Island.
Fromm and his family were officially received by Debra Zedalis, region director, Installation Management Command-Pacific, and the ceremony's reviewing officer.
"Richard, Lisa, CJ, Cole and Clay … aloha and welcome to the IMCOM-Pacific Region ohana," said Zedalis. "Col. Fromm, welcome back to the Installation Management Command. You are no stranger to the role of garrison commander, having commanded the Camp Casey garrison in Korea, and you come to us with great credentials from your last garrison commander job."
Addressing the USAG-HI community, Fromm said, "I look forward to serving you over the next two years and improving the quality of life you all deserve.
"My wife and kids are looking forward to moving to Hawaii. They'll be here in June," said Fromm. "Twenty years ago, my wife said she wanted to go to Hawaii. Now, it's finally coming true."
For his next assignment, Whitney will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Whitney had made building upon the successes of his predecessor his priority during his tenure.
When he took command July 20, 2012, Whitney said he planned to follow the advice of one of his former brigade commanders, to "take a great unit and make it better."
During his tenure as garrison commander, Whitney and his battle buddy, Command Sgt. Maj. Philip J. Brunwald, provided world-class support to U.S. Army-Pacific, 25th Infantry Division, 8th Theater Sustainment Command and the many commands within the overall installation footprint.
"The testament to this is the 2014 Army Community of Excellence (ACOE) Gold Medal recently awarded to USAG-HI as the number one best installation in the entire Army," said Zedalis. "The gold medal is not easily attained. It represents the pinnacle of success, and being named the best at caring for people is the ultimate achievement."
In addition to customer service, Zedalis added, the ACOE award also focused on strategic leadership, business results and improved processes.
"USAG-Hawaii scored the highest, IMCOM-wide, in strategic leadership, thanks in large measure to Col. Whitney," sid Zedalis.
Whitney echoed Zedalis' praise for Team Hawaii.
"We collectively won the Army Community of Excellence award," said Whitney. "This is not just a garrison-centric proposition. This was awarded to the singularly best community -- and I underscore community -- as seeking excellence each and every day."
"I look forward to expanding on his accomplishments," said Fromm.
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