USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- Col. Darin S. Conkright successfully completed a three-year command marked by extraordinary change when he relinquished control of U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys on June 15 at Freedom Field.
Conkright's successor is Col. Joseph C. Holland, an Armor branch officer who last served as the Chief of Plans, U.S. Army Europe in Wiesbaden, Germany; this is his first tour in Korea.
During Conkright's command, that garrison oversaw the demolishment of more than 300 buildings and the construction of more than 650 new facilities as part of its transformation into the new home of U.S. Forces Korea.
Conkright said when he came to Humphreys three years ago it was hard to envision what it would look like in the future.
"It took a lot of imagination back then to visualize what Humphreys was going to look like when it grew up. Now when you look at the new lands you see a sprawling city that is truly taking shape and in many cases waiting for the final touches and utilities to catch up," he said.
There were great challenges along the way, Conkright said.
"The past three years have been a wild ride with disaster constantly lurking around every corner," Conkright said. "It was a situation that was dynamic to the point, that no one, whether it was the garrison or its partners was allowed to be complacent for even one day.
"As the Garrison command sergeant major would routinely say -- nothing is ever easy at Humphreys. From everyone else's perspective, I hope it looked easier than it was."
Conkright offered special praise and thanks for his wife Lori and youngest son Stephen.
"Lori held down the fort here as the senior spouse for three years. In that time she was the energy behind so many things that positively affected each and every one of our community members," he said. "Lori you're a beautiful person and I love you."
Conkright noted that his youngest son Stephen was a member of the second class to graduate from Humphreys Middle High School.
"You have been a trooper through this whole adventure, I love you," Conkright said.
IMCOM Pacific Region Director Dr. Christine Altendorf, praised Conkright's leadership and management during a time of constant change for the garrison.
"Overseeing the construction of more than 600 new buildings and the demolition of more than 300 buildings, Darin and his team have been involved in the single-largest construction program in the Department of Defense," she said.
When the Humphreys Transformation is complete, the post will grow to about 3,500 acres and will be home to more than 34,000 Soldiers, Civilians and Family Members.
Altendorf said that while managing transformation and the challenges it brought, Conkright never lost sight of his primary responsibility--to take care of the garrison and its people.
"His attention to detail, while managing the expectations of the transformation process, as well as ensuring the needs of the community were being met on a daily basis, truly illustrates the quality of his character," Altendorf said.
Conkright's community relations efforts were no less noteworthy, she said. His partnership with Korean merchants and People to People chapters in neighboring communities strengthened the garrison's commitment to the Good Neighbor program.
"Darin, you have made a positive difference in the lives of those you led and those you serve, Altendorf said. "You are definitely leaving your trademark of excellence on all aspects of the Humphreys Community."
Altendorf said that Conkright could not have been successful without the superlative efforts, dedication and selflessness of his wife Lori.
"The number of volunteer hours she spent promoting and participating in community events and activities is immeasurable, Altendorf said.
"Lori on behalf of all the Soldiers, Families and Civilian team members I extend my heartfelt appreciation and thanks for all of your efforts," Altendorf said.
Turning to Holland, Altendorf said he comes to Humphreys at a great time, one that will provide him with great challenges and even-greater rewards.
"You will develop skills in areas you once took for granted, Altendorf said. "Joe you are inheriting a great garrison team that will support you 100 percent. I know you will find your new assignment professionally rewarding and personally enriching."
Holland said he welcomes the challenges his new command brings.
"While I have much to learn and I have big shoes to fill, Team Humphreys has made every effort to ensure we don't miss a beat," Holland said. "I am glad to take on the responsibility of command here at Camp Humphreys and I look forward to working with each of you to achieve the vision of our senior leaders and intent of our commanders to accomplish the mission and enable the success of our militaries and our nations."
Conkright's next assignment is the G-7 Director of Training at Installation Management Command in San Antonio, Texas.
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