USAG bids farewell to one leader, welcomes another

Fort Huachuca, Arizona--During a change of command ceremony June 21 on Brown Parade Field, U.S. Army Garrison leadership changed and the installation reins are now in new hands.

Col. Thomas A. Boone relinquished the command he has held since April 30, 2014, to head to a new assignment as the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence G3 and passed the garrison leadership to Col. James W. Wright who arrived on Fort Huachuca after arrival from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Following the invocation and narration of Fort Huachuca's history, the wives of the outgoing and incoming commander received roses. Stephanie Boone received a red bouquet in full bloom. As they were presented, the narrator explained that red, the color of the heart, symbolized the beauty and fulfillment of her time with USAG as the First Lady. Kelly Wright received yellow roses, partially open. Yellow is the color of new beginning and symbolizes her arrival as USAG's new First Lady.

"In time, Mrs. Wright's rosebuds will blossom as will her relationship with the Soldiers, Civilians and their Families," the narrator said.

Members of their Families received tokens and love and appreciation.

On the parade field, Command Sgt. Maj. Carmelo Cruz, USAG command sergeant major and custodian of the colors, passed the garrison guidon to Boone. This signified the last official act between the garrison command sergeant major and the outgoing garrison commander.

Boone then passed the colors to Joe C. Capps, region director of Central Region, Installation Management Command, who hosted the ceremony and served as its reviewing officer. Capps then passed the colors to Wright, incoming commander, who passed them back to Cruz. Once the formalities were over, the men returned to their seats and prepared to speak.

Maj. Gen. Scott D. Berrier, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, described the difficult and challenging mission of commanding an Army garrison especially during financially challenging times. He praised Boone, citing a number of his accomplishments on post and with partnerships in the local community, and welcomed Wright.

"It is no wonder why Colonel Boone was selected to command the Fort Huachuca Garrison," Berrier said. "His past performance, his leadership style and demonstrated leadership style were clear signs he would excel as our commander, and that he did.

"After one great leader we have the opportunity to welcome another, Colonel James W. Wright and his Family ... Colonel Wright is an infantry officer but if you look closely at his bio, he's really kind of a [military intelligence] officer too. He commanded units in the 313th MI Battalion, and I know he's proud of that. He has the pedigree right here at Fort Huachuca that's spot on.

Then Capps emphasized that commanding a garrison is a tough, demanding business. He described Boone's oversight of the cantonment, restricted airspace, oversight of millions of dollars and his many successful construction projects before commenting on the ceremony.

"So it is in our Army with a traditional, a very simple ceremony signifying change, a transition from one commander to another," Capps said. "So on behalf of the Installation Management Command, thank you all for being here today and for all you do for the Army. Army Strong!"

Next, Boone, the outgoing commander, made his remarks.

"I'll be honest and up front," Boone said. "The transition has not been easy. Publicly I've already acknowledged [commanding USAG] has been my far greatest challenge and the most rewarding opportunity of my military career unless perhaps when we were down range.

"Now this is the state of the installation. I would stand here and tell you that despite the challenges Fort Huachuca is better today and postured for tomorrow."

Boone joked that his son said Boone would be remembered as the "commander who took everything away," and Boone described some of the programs lost due to budget constraints. He then talked about the installation's success rate with construction projects, environmental stewardship, post access restrictions, airfield operations and Soldier safety. He thanked the command, organizations and directors on post and community organizations and partners. Last, he thanked his Family for their love and support.

Then Boone welcomed Wright and offered advice to the new commander. "Hold on tight, this ride is fast and furious," he said.

Wright was the final speaker and expressed his gratitude for his new command.

"We are truly thrilled to be here," the incoming commander said. "This installation is a national treasure. Major General Berrier and Mr. Capps, thanks for this opportunity and the ability to command this organization. Our garrison will continue to focus on generating readiness for our Army, on providing critical services and support for our community members and on ensuring the long-term sustainability for Fort Huachuca. We will remain committed to help the civic partnerships in our community, joint interagency efforts and to the veteran community here in Arizona," Wright promised.

Following the remarks, singing of the Army Song and retirement of the colors, B Troop made a traditional cavalry charge across Brown Parade Field.

Organizations participating in the change of command ceremony included the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, Network Enterprise Technology Command, the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade, Joint Interoperability Test Command, Fort Huachuca Select Honor Guard, U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command, 1st Brigade (MI) 100th Division, 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, Dental Clinic Command, U.S. Army Medical Department Activity and B Troop, 4th U.S. Cavalry (Memorial).

The Military Intelligence Corps Band, under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan L. Crane, provided the music.