Donald E. Smith became Dugway Proving Ground's (DPG) garrison manager Aug. 12, during an assumption of responsibility ceremony. The deputy garrison manager since October 2011, Smith applied for manager when the position became open.

The assumption of responsibility ceremony for a garrison manager is relatively new within the Army, and the first in DPG's 73-year-history, Smith noted.

Though the mission at DPG is under Army Test & Evaluation Command (ATEC), the post's infrastructure, police, firefighters, housing and other support are under the Installation Management Command (IMCOM). Smith oversees all IMCOM resources on DPG.

Thomas J. Schoenbeck, manager of the central region of IMCOM, came from Texas to participate, praising Smith as its garrison deputy and now, manager.

Master Sgt. Christopher Kruse, NCO in charge of the Dugway Health Clinic, passed the DPG flag to Schoenbeck, symbolizing the Soldiers' trust in Smith. Schoenbeck then passed the flag to Smith, symbolizing acceptance of the position. Smith then passed it back to Kruse, completing the ceremony.

Sgt. Paul Kovari of the Dugway Health Clinic presented a dozen yellow roses to Smith's wife, Niki, for decades of support as an Army spouse.

Chaplain (Maj.) Matthew Gibson of Dugway Hope Chapel led the invocation. Master of Ceremonies was Aaron Goodman, manager of the Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (F,MWR) office, under IMCOM.

"I enjoy the challenges and working with so many awesome professionals in all the organizations," Smith said. "It's amazing, so many people on Dugway working to make a difference. This is a great place to work and learn."

The event ended with a reception line, snacks made by the Community Club staff and cake.