New JFHQ-NCR/MDW commander takes post during Conmy Hall ceremony

By Mr. George Markfelder (JFHQNCRMDW)June 11, 2015

New JFHQ-NCR/MDW commander takes post during Conmy Hall ceremony
Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker (center) accepts command of the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington during a change of command ceremony June 9 in Conmy Hall at the Fort Myer portion of Joint ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker took command of Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan during a change of command ceremony inside Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall June 9.

Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Army vice chief of staff, and Adm. William Evans "Bill" Gortney, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the United States Northern Command, hosted the ceremony.

"When I joined this great team two years ago, I didn't know much about MDW or the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region, but I rapidly grew to admire, respect and even love each part of this diverse organization," said Buchanan. "It's been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve in your ranks, and to Brad Becker, hold on to your hat brother, you are in for quite a ride. But I guarantee that you're going to have a blast."

Prior to the change of command ceremony, Allyn presented Buchanan the Distinguished Service Medal at a private ceremony in the JBM-HH Town Hall building.

Buchanan has served as the JFHQ-NCR/MDW commanding general for the past two years, and is scheduled for an overseas assignment as his next tour of duty.

Becker was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the field artillery upon graduating from the University of California at Davis in May 1986, with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. He also holds a master's degree in political science from Auburn University, Montgomery, Ala.

Prior to taking command of JFHQ-NCR/MDW, Becker commanded the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, S.C.

Commander of troops for the ceremony was 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Commander Col. Johnny Davis; Soldiers from the 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" participated in the ceremony.