Picatinny, NJ - The Picatinny Arsenal community wished Lt. Col. John P. Stack, the installation's garrison commander, farewell during a change-of-command ceremony here Apr. 23.
During the ceremony, Army and installation officials recognized Stack's major accomplishments during his three-year tour here and welcomed his replacement, Lt. Col. Charles H. Koehler.
Stack is scheduled to complete a language course in Washington, D.C., before heading overseas in July to attend the National Defence University.
Russell B. Hall, director of the northeast region of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, officiated the ceremony and praised Stack's major accomplishments, adding that Koehler will be a perfect fit for the role of Picatinny Garrison Commander.
"Lt. Col. John Stack is a shining example of what a talented and dedicated leader can do for an organization," Hall said.
Under Stack's leadership, the Picatinny Garrison accomplished many notable achievements including completion of a new firehouse, construction of two new childcare facilities and the renovation of the installation's Cannon Gate Catering and Conference Center.
He also was instrumental in establishing an extremely successful community covenant with Morris County municipalities, agencies, companies and service organizations, and made improvements to the installation's safety, security and anti-terrorism posture.
"Before Lt. Gen. Lynch, our IMCOM Commander, announced his lines of effort, Lt. Col. Stack clearly understood the value of Soldier, civilian, family, readiness and well-being, leader and workforce development, installation readiness, energy efficiency, security, cost culture, resiliency, safety and sustainability," said Hall.
"This is an important event. The orderly transfer from one great leader to an incoming commander is a time-honored tradition in our Army, and our nation, and it represents the strength of our nation," said Hall.
During his farewell speech, Stack thanked the many individuals who helped him achieve the garrison goals.
"The garrison's motto is 'make it happen' and I'll tell you what; that's exactly what the garrison workforce did," Stack said of their accomplishments.
Just like Hall, Stack said Koehler is the right man to fill his shoes.
Koehler last assignment was with the Defense Logistics Agency in Fort Belvoir, Va., where he served as Executive Officer.
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