FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood held a Review and Departure Ceremony for Brig. Gen. Bryan Watson, USAES commandant and deputy commanding general concepts, doctrine and organizations, at 9 a.m., July 14, on the MSCoE Plaza.
Watson, who has served at Fort Leonard Wood since March 2009, will be taking on the responsibilities of director, J-7, engineering, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.
During the ceremony Maj. Gen. David Quantock, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence commanding general, presented Watson the Legion of Merit Award. In addition to providing encouraging remarks to Watson as he prepares for his next assignment to Afghanistan, Quantock highlighted examples of Watson’s visionary leadership and planning, leader development, integrity, passion for the business and care for soldiers as credits to his unwavering reputation for getting the job done.
In keeping with tradition, Watson stepped outside of the box as he offered his heartfelt thanks to the tribe of service members, civilians, family and friends whom he has worked with and met during his tenure at Fort Leonard Wood.
“This job was a dream job for me with one exception, this dream became an unexpected reality. I did nothing other than give three things, a small dose of vision, a large dose of passion and occasional perspective to connect the dots"you did the rest,” Watson said.
Watson’s wife, Kris, was recognized for her impact to Family Readiness Groups, her dedication as a mentor to Army spouses, and over thirty years of support and commitment as a military spouse. In addition to the Essayons Award honoring spouses of the Engineer regiment who have voluntarily made significant contributions to the morale, welfare, and spirit of engineer units and organizations, Kris Watson received the Outstanding Civilian Service Award for exceptionally meritorious support of soldiers and families assigned in the U.S. Army Engineer School from March 2009 through July 2011.
Col. Fabian Mendoza, USAES assistant commandant, will be the acting commandant until Sept. 21, when Brig. Gen. Mark Yenter is expected to take on the responsibilities of USAES commandant and deputy commanding general concepts, doctrine and organizations. Yenter is currently deployed to Afghanistan.
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