Being a garrison commander was different from any other position Col. John Holwick had held in his Army career.
"Garrison is not like Kansas," said Holwick, referencing Dorothy's famous line when she finds herself in Munchinkinland in The Wizard of Oz. Holwick changes command at 9 a.m., July 27, at the Signal Towers flagpole.
In the tactical world, jobs build on each other. Commanding a battalion and commanding a company have similar tasks, he said.
But administrating a city is a horse of a different color.
Holwick has seen a lot of growth at Fort Gordon during his three years.
Under Holwick, 310 new homes were completed, and renovations began on the other existing homes at Fort Gordon. Multi-million dollars barracks upgrades and training barracks upgrades have been going on at a fast rate.
Other new buildings constructed during his tenure include the Warrior Transition Battalion administrative buildings near Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, the new law enforcement center and a new mobilization center.
Over the next few years, more buildings such as the Child Development Center and its two satellite centers will be constructed.
"In another three years, you won't recognize it," he said of the installation.
Not only are there new bricks and mortar on the ground at Fort Gordon, the quality of services has increased, he said.
Holwick said he watches with amazement the care exhibited by Department of the Army civilians and contractors in organizations such as Army Community Service.
"Both are equally dedicated. They love taking care of people," he said.
Recently, a distraught man visited ACS. Although he didn't qualify for any of their services, staff members listened to his problems and tried to help him.
Holwick said he sees those types of people at Fort Gordon all the time - people who go above and beyond their job descriptions to help others.
"I don't lay brick or help with finances. I don't write up leave forms. I don't serve your lunch. It's all done by them. I just get to bask in the glory of the good job they do, he said.
As he reflects over his time spent at Fort Gordon, Holwick said it will be the people he misses most as he heads to Washington, D.C. to be the inspector general for IMCOM.
Not only will Holwick miss the Soldiers, Families and civilians on post, he says he will also miss the Augusta community.
"You see the support every day," he said. "It's in the obvious things such as Augusta Cares, the USO Show, Take a Soldier Fishing Day. That's just the tip. One-third you see; two-thirds you don't see. They give us support you don't hear about - from the mayors down to those who say 'thank you for your service,'" he said.
With his three years as garrison commander, Holwick feels confident in moving to his next position. "I have a unique perspective which will make it easier," he said. As for Holwick's future plans, he knows he will spend at least three more years in the military. "I've been very, very blessed - whatever the Army wants," he said.
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