Transportation Corps Adds New Names to Hall of Fame

By Amy Perry, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee Public Affairs OfficeAugust 4, 2011

Transportation Corps Adds New Names to Hall of Fame
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FORT LEE, Va. (August 4, 2011) " Continuing an old tradition at its new home, the U.S. Army Transportation Corps celebrated its 69th anniversary July 29 with a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Warrior Recognition event.

The observances closed out the first Transportation Corps Symposium at Fort Lee. The organization moved here in September 2010 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure actions. The move and its positive impact on training were key topics of discussion throughout the symposium.

During the induction ceremony, four Soldiers and two units joined the Hall of Fame " retired Maj. Gen. Brian I. Geehan, retired Col. Joseph A. Torsani Jr., retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kenneth E. Gilman, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Paul G. Tarter (posthumous), the 43rd Amphibious Truck Battalion and the White House Executive Flight Detachment.

"It is a great pleasure to be here with you today during this historic occasion, the first Hall of Fame induction at our new home at Fort Lee," said Col. Stephen E. Farmen, Chief of the Transportation Corps. "The Hall of Fame allows us to celebrate the great members of our corps and the Soldiers and civilians who made a difference. The Transportation Corps Hall of Fame represents the highest level of achievement for Transportation Corps Soldiers and symbolizes what it means to spearhead logistics over the course of a career."

Only 85 transporters are in the Hall of Fame, said Farmen, noting the honor of being selected.

"The Transportation Corps definitely has a proud history; we honor each of you for your lifelong distinguished service with the Transportation Corps and U.S. Army," he said. "We are grateful for your unparalleled contributions to the development of military transportation and logistics.

"As Transportation legends, you were all instrumental in shaping our corps, defining the challenges, creating the visions, deployments, distributing and integrating logistics and developing capabilities and concepts to ensure personnel, materiel and equipment arrived at the right place at the right time in both peace and war," Farmen continued.

Each inductee received a commemorative pin and certificate. Geehan, who was recognized first, thanked everyone for attending and for the recognition.

"You honor me and you honor my family - It's very humbling to be here in the presence of the other inductees today," Geehan said. "To each and every one of you, I'm humbled by this honor. It's a great corps, and I can see it’s in great hands."

At the Warrior Recognition Ceremony earlier that day, the new assistant commandant for the Transportation School, Col. Andrew C. Peters, had his mace ceremony " a traditional gesture that officially marked his new role among Army transporters.

The honorary colonel, warrant officer, sergeant major and civilian of the regiment were also recognized. The Transportation Corps active and reserve officers, warrant officers, noncommissioned officers and civilian of the year were spotlighted as well. The investiture of the 2011 Distinguished Members of the Transportation Corps Regiment also occurred.

Farmen thanked the audience for attending and taking the time to recognize their fellow transporters.

"Thanks for taking time to recognize excellence and reconnect with our regimental lineage, history and roots that makes our corps special," said Farmen. "It makes serving in the profession of arms not just a job, but a commitment to serving something bigger than ourselves.

"Everyone here today " especially those we inducted into Transportation Corps lore " we thank you for all you have done and urge you to continue to stay connected to our corps moving forward so we can shape the next 69 years of history moving into the 21st century together."