FORT STEWART, Ga. - Colonel Kevin W. Milton's initial goals as the new garrison commander for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield reflect his combat arms background - hold the ground that has already been taken and continue to press forward. He responded to a variety of questions during an informal interview conducted outside garrison headquarters, June 5.
"My goals are to maintain and, where we can, improve upon the quality of services we provide to our Army-Strong Families and Soldiers here at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield," Col. Milton said. "(The installation) can expect me to pick up every rock to inspect it, smell it and feel it. We're not going to be complacent. We've provided consistent and quality care in the past with great Army Civilians and Soldiers, and we're going to continue to do that in the future."
The artillery officer noted that even though the fifth combat brigade is no longer coming to Fort Stewart, construction for the facilities that were being built for that brigade will continue. He also pointed out that plans for the construction of a middle school here at Fort Stewart are moving forward. He said the new school will be built by the Georgia public school system on federal land leased to the state. The installation and the community will benefit from the new school, he added.
Colonel Milton also commented on remarks made by Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, senior commander, during the garrison change of command ceremony, May 29. Major General Cucolo told visitors attending the ceremony that the Army does not train officers to be garrison commanders. He said the Army takes the "best of the breed" from everything they know and places them in something completely new, "making them responsible for small cities."
"Maj. Gen. Cucolo was right on the mark," Col. Milton said, whose previous assignment was as a joint staff security officer at the Pentagon. "The Army does not train officers to be garrison commanders. I'm an artilleryman, but the Army brings in garrison commanders for their leadership skills that any military officer learns over the course of a career. We're here to guide and direct and make key decisions when required. We rely heavily on our Army Civilians for their technical expertise."
Colonel Milton said he was excited to be here, and commended Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield as an outstanding installation with wonderful support from the local communities. He said he is looking forward to working with Soldiers, Army Civilians and members of the community.
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