Tankins officially passed the mantle of command to Col. Christopher Boyle, who assumes command of one of the Army's largest and most high-profile warrior transition units headquartered near the Department of Defense's flagship hospital--Walter Reed National Military Medical Center--and just a few miles from the nation's capital.
"This command has taught me what it means to fiercely advocate," said Tankins. "WTB-NCR Soldiers understand what it means to roll up their sleeves, dig in, commit, and resolve issues."
During his farewell speech, Tankins fought to hold back tears as he told an emotional story of his first few weeks of command when he attended a meeting with caregivers. "They shared their pain, anger, hardships, battles, disappointments, struggles, and concerns. That meeting transformed me, and helped shape my command philosophy," he said. "Advocating for the Soldier and their caregivers is our top priority."
"What we do or fail to do impacts the rest of someone's life," Tankins added.
During his tenure as brigade commander, the WTB has found new ways to deliver support to recovering Soldiers that allow them to focus on their mission, which is to heal and transition. Tankins implemented a Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living Program board to resolve 140 cases, increased enrollment in the Career and Readiness Education Program from 30 to 90 percent, decreased Soldier and Family complaints by 90 percent; established a brigade-level Army Family Action Plan committee giving all WTB families a voice, and initiated a Caregiver Recognition Program to thank caregivers for the roles they play in helping the WTB accomplish its mission.
Tankins will retire soon after 27 years of Army service.
Boyle, who was most recently assigned to Headquarters, Department of the Army as G-3/5/7 division chief, promised to ensure that the WTB continues to fulfill its important mission.
"I am proud to be a part of a unit and a profession that cares so much about its people," Boyle said. "I look forward to working with a team that is dedicated to serving our most precious resource--our Soldiers and their Families."
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