ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (May 20, 2015) -- The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) held a change of command ceremony for its Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) May 14 at the ATEC Headquarters building at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG).
ATEC's commanding general, Maj. Gen. Peter D. Utley, presided over the time-honored tradition of passing the colors from the outgoing commander, Capt. Robert D. McCormick, to the incoming commander, Capt. Michael S. Lee.
The colors represent not only the heritage and history of the unit, but also the unity and loyalty of its Soldiers. The colors are the commander's symbol of authority, representing his responsibilities to the unit and his commitment to the Soldiers under his charge. The change of command ceremony emphasizes the continuity of leadership and unit identity and symbolizes the transfer of command responsibility from the departing commander to the arriving commander.
"A change of command between two officers, for whom I have great admiration, is a critical event in the life and history of a unit," Utley said. "This ceremony symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility from a leader who has accomplished much to a new leader who will continue to carry on the unit's legacy."
Utley welcomed McCormick's wife, Cathy, and Lee's wife, Erica, and their two children to the ceremony and thanked them for their support. Also in attendance were McCormick's special guests, Sgt. 1st Class (Retired) David Wadsworth and his wife, Ellen.
McCormick assumed command of the newly reestablished HHC in November of 2013. The HHC was originally located at the old ATEC Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. When the command moved to APG in 2010, the decision was made that the company was no longer needed. When Utley assumed command in July 2013, he reestablished the company.
"HHCs are the life-blood of any unit, because they ensure Soldiers receive the professional administrative support they need," Utley said. "Soldiering is the core of what we do in the Army, and every Soldier needs a commander and a first sergeant to set the standards, as well as to ensure those standards are met."
Utley praised McCormick for rebuilding the HHC from the ground up and for creating all the things essential to the administration of the company. As commander, McCormick was responsible for the health, morale, welfare, discipline, training, mentoring, conduct, and personal and professional development of 147 Soldiers assigned and/or attached to ATEC Headquarters, the Army Evaluation Center, the Joint Test Element, and the Aberdeen Test Center. The HHC commander manages personnel actions and provides command and control, training, administration, discipline and punitive actions, and morale and welfare for all assigned or attached Soldiers as required.
"Rob was selected to be the ATEC HHC commander because he had the experience, the leadership skills, and the dedication to duty required of a commanding officer," said Utley. "From the very beginning, he took charge of the HHC and worked tirelessly to ensure our Soldiers not only met, but also exceeded, the Army standards."
McCormick, a native of Niagara, Wisconsin, enlisted in the Army in 1986 as a combat medic. He left active duty in 1989 to pursue an undergraduate degree but continued to serve as a unit medic for the Army National Guard. He later served as a combat engineer team leader. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, he returned to active duty in 1997, and in April 2009 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the military intelligence corps. McCormick also holds master's degrees in Business Administration and International Studies. McCormick's military decorations include the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, six Army Commendation Medals, and seven Army Achievement Medals.
During his remarks, McCormick shared that when he learned of ATEC's intention to reestablish the HHC, he mentioned to his coworkers he was thinking of putting forth his name for consideration -- an idea his coworkers urged him to rethink. Despite their convincing arguments against it, McCormick said he volunteered to be the HHC commander anyway because he wanted the opportunity to help his Soldiers. Although many of his coworkers' dire predictions did come true, he said those occasional opportunities to "truly help a Soldier with a problem or a crisis were worth any number of frustrations."
Utley presented McCormick with a Meritorious Service Medal for his exemplary efforts toward making a difference in the lives of Soldiers and his dedicated service and commitment to the HHC.
"The quality of life for our Soldiers and their Families has always been the highest priority for Rob and he is an outstanding leader and mentor who inspires those in his charge," Utley said. "He has been personally involved in creating a team of highly skilled professionals through his own personal example, and through his genuine care and unbeatable mission support given to Soldiers and Army Families."
McCormick and his wife Cathy are headed for his next assignment as Assistant Brigade S2 with the 1st Army's Division West at Fort Bliss, Texas. Before he concluded his remarks, McCormick shared with the incoming commander advice his mentors had given him: 'make it your goal to leave an organization better than you found it.' McCormick said he was confident Lee's wide base of experience as both an enlisted Soldier and an officer would serve him well in the months ahead and would provide him with the patience needed to succeed as HHC commander.
"Being selected for these positions of honor speaks volumes about the Soldiers who have been charged with this important responsibility," Utley said. "I can think of no one better prepared to command HHC than Capt. Michael Lee."
Lee brings with him 23-years of Army experience and leadership. His previous leadership positions include Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and S3 Plans Officer.
Lee, who hails from Birmingham, Alabama, enlisted in the Army in 1991. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in December of 2008 through Officer Candidate School. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Government Acquisitions and Procurement. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (4OLC with valor) and the Army Achievement Medal (2OLC). Before taking command of the HHC, Lee completed a 6-month Chemical Captain's Career Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
"Michael, today the mantle of responsibility for the HHC and its mission is placed in your hands and without a doubt, you bring all the skills, attributes, talents, and leadership skills we need to improve upon this company," Utley said.
Lee thanked Utley for offering him the opportunity to command the HHC and said he hoped he wouldn't let him down.
"I'm honored and humbled to be the next HHC Commander of ATEC," Lee said.
Lee also thanked his son and daughter for giving him the drive to succeed in whatever he did, and his wife Erica for her unwavering support and for being the glue that held their Family together.
Lee said his goals for the HHC are to continue to build upon the accomplishments of his predecessor.
"I will continue to establish effective management Army systems that provides administrative services to the ATEC Soldiers and Families," Lee said. "The mission, the Soldiers, and their Families are always first."
Lee concluded by saying, "All policies and procedures remain in effect."
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