165th Quartermaster Group Change of Command

By Capt. Shamika Hill ( USARC)March 21, 2013

Col. Michael Dillard
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Command Sgt. Maj.  Orlando Santiago passes the colors
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Col. Thomas Vaccaro
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Cutting of Cake
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Passing of colors
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FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Col. Thomas J. Vaccaro expressed his gratitude to everyone as he relinquished command of the 165th Quartermaster Group here to Col. John Simma, Jr., March 17.

The change of command took place at the Col. David M. Scales U.S. Army Reserve Center in front of Maj. Gen. Peter S. Lennon, commanding general of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command, Soldiers, family and friends.

"Every success that occurred in the 165th QM Group was due to everyone standing right here and for that thank you," Vaccaro said. "The time that I have been here has been outstanding because of everyone here."

Vaccaro thanked Lennon personally for Lennon's leadership, mentorship and friendship. Vaccaro also congratulated Simma on his recent promotion, and thanked him for taking the command.

The host, Col. Michael Dillard, commander of the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, acknowledged Vaccaro had been a great asset to the command. Dillard wished Vaccaro the best and noted Vaccaro will exceed any mission requirements that are placed in front of him.

"John, it is now your time to lead and take this team to another level," Dillard said of Simma. "You are the chosen one for this position, leaning forward toward excellence in mission accomplishment and taking care of Soldiers."

Simma told his new troops he looks forward to the challenges ahead of them.

"We have challenges, we are going to meet those challenges head on and accomplish the mission," he said.

Simma said his goal is for all of his units to be combat ready, including being physically, mentally, and medically fit.

Simma said he believed in the 'be, know, do' type of leadership, the Army Values and the Soldier's Creed.

Prior to the ceremony, Simma told the troops, "My standards are simple: Army standards."

Simma thanked Lennon for the opportunity to command, and Siimma's wife, family and friends for their continued support.

The ceremony concluded with a processional line, lots of congratulations and delicious cake.