Fort Bragg Garrison gets new commander

By Tina Ray/ParaglideJune 21, 2012

Fort Bragg Garrison change of command
Col. Stephen Sicinski, Fort Bragg outgoing garrison commander, bids farewell to his former staff and other well-wishers after the Fort Bragg Garrison change of command ceremony today. During his tenure, Sicinski oversaw Fort Bragg's base closure and ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Incoming Fort Bragg Garrison commander, Col. Jeffrey M. Sanborn, said Col. Stephen J. Sicinski, his predecessor, is a tough act to follow.

At a 9 a.m. ceremony, today, at the Main Post Parade Field, Sanborn accepted the Installation Management Command colors from Davis D. Tindoll Jr., director, IMCOM, Atlantic Region.

Before the Fort Bragg community, distinguished guest and his Family, Sanborn said that the Fort Bragg Garrison would team with others to promote the quality of life commensurate with the service of Soldiers, Airmen and their Families.

"We can accomplish so much more when we work together than when we try to go it alone," said Sanborn, who began his military career as an enlisted artilleryman in 1984.

Initially assigned to the 4th Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Sanborn later attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Previous assignments include the 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.

Headquarters, 325th AIR, 82nd Abn. Div.; and 2nd Battalion, 319th FAR, 82nd Abn. Div.

In these units he served as company fire support officer, battery fire detection officer and commander of two batteries -- Battery A, 6th Bn., 37th Field Artillery Regt. and Battery E, 7th Field Artillery Regt, brigade fire support officer, division secretary of general staff, brigade executive officer, brigade deputy commanding officer and division chief of staff.

Sanborn served in Operations Enduing Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Operation Unified Response in Haiti, in which U.S. Forces provided humanitarian relief to Haiti, following the devastating earthquake in January 2011.

He is no stranger to Fort Bragg. Most recently, he served as inspector general to the 82nd Airborne Division.

"Kim and I are humbled to serve you and to serve with you," Sanborn said, after assuming command.

In his outgoing message to Fort Bragg, Sicinski said he tried to be "everybody's commander."

His service to Fort Bragg involved partnerships, stewardship and Army transitions.

"I did not do it alone. I had a whole bunch of help," Sicinski said. "I was just the face of the garrison team."

From Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, former commander of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, Sicinski said he learned how to build and nurture teams and added that Helmick's leadership was uncommon and easy.

"He's all about empowerment and autonomy. He never told me how to do something. He told me what he wanted," Sicinski said.

Sicinski's accomplishments include overseeing more than $1.3 billion in military construction projects such as schools in Linden Oaks Family housing area and several child development centers. Under his command, the post earned several Connelly Awards (for best in Army food service) and for being recognized as the best Army Community Service program in 2010, said Tindoll.

"If the Army told us we could stay another year, we'd willingly take it," Sicinski said, but he acknowledged that the time to transition has come.

"You need a fresh set of eyes. It's absolutely critical that you get a new set of eyes thrown into the mix," he said. "(Sanborn) is ready to take over."

Sicinski is on his way to his new assignment at Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colo.