New Garrison Leader Takes Helm Of 'Great Place'

By Kari Hawkins, USAG RedstoneOctober 22, 2010

TRADITIONAL RITE
In a change of command ceremony that is part of the Army tradition, Davis Tindoll, director of the Installation Management Command-Southeast Region, transfers the Redstone Garrison flag - and the command responsibility that goes with it - to Col. Joh... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala -- Col. John Hamilton had an introduction of his own when he was formally announced Friday as the new commander of the Garrison.

Looking out to an audience that included military and community leaders as well as Garrison workers, Hamilton introduced an entity with a worldwide impact.

"Team Redstone has a reputation for excellence that has spread far and wide across our Army," Hamilton said. "If you are one of those folks that have been here making that happen, you probably aren't aware of just how broadly your work is recognized ... but, believe me, it is.

"This is a great place to be. I am excited to join your ranks and relish the opportunity to continue the efforts of those great men that came before me."

And with those words, Hamilton became the leader of a Garrison that has a substantial impact on the Team Redstone reputation.

The change of command ceremony was held at Bob Jones Auditorium. Hamilton took the helm from Col. Bob Pastorelli, who managed Garrison operations during some of the most significant years of growth for Redstone. While in command, Pastorelli oversaw construction projects for such organizations as the Army Materiel Command, Redstone Test Center and Missile Defense Agency, and he was instrumental in launching the Redstone Gateway enhanced use lease project. Work on those projects will continue under Hamilton's leadership.

The Garrison provides services for 72 government organizations on Redstone, many which provide research and development, acquisition and logistics for the Army's aviation and missile systems. In addition, the Garrison provides a wide range of quality of life services, from an airfield for private aircraft to soccer fields for teams of all ages.

As the liaison with the local community, the Garrison is instrumental in encouraging the synergy and support that benefits both the military and civilians associated with Redstone. That relationship was evident in the attendance of many local and state representatives at the change of command ceremony.

"Your presence speaks volumes about the impact this Garrison team has on the lives of so very many Soldiers, civilian teammates, and their families and the Tennessee Valley area ... Thank you for all you do to make this the best military community in the United States. I look forward to meeting and working with each one of you," Hamilton said.

In his welcoming comments, Maj. Gen. Jim Rogers, commander of the Aviation and Missile Command and the Arsenal's senior commander, mentioned that he and Hamilton have both commanded the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, during their military careers.

"You are no stranger to taking care of Soldiers, supporting Soldiers and that's what Redstone is all about," Rogers said. "This is a little bit different mission. But you will be successful if you are focused on taking care of your people, taking care of the Soldiers all around us and being a part of this active community."

Davis Tindoll, director of the Installation Management Command-Southeast Region, under which the Redstone Garrison falls, said Redstone Arsenal represents a standard of infrastructure quality found nowhere else in the region.

He commended Pastorelli for "exceeding and overcoming challenges," many of which stemmed from the transfer of organizations and employees in relation to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act. During Pastorelli's tenure, the Garrison has launched construction projects to add almost 2 million square feet at a cost of more than $1 billion.

Superior customer service, Soldier and family well-being and readiness, efficient facilities and good community relations make Redstone one of the best garrisons, he said.

"The Pastorelli command team has done their part of making Redstone Garrison a model installation," Tindoll said.

Pastorelli, who will go on to be the chief of staff for the Security Assistance Command at Redstone, said he was blessed to have been the Garrison commander, and that he and his wife Anna enjoyed their role as the Garrison command team. He congratulated Hamilton on his new assignment, saying "you are taking over the crown jewel of the Southeast Region."