Marine artillery detachment welcomes new commander

FORT SILL, Okla., July 21, 2016 -- During his time as commander of the Marine Corps Artillery Detachment, Col. Wayne Harrison and his wife Michelle took on the role of surrogate family to every lieutenant that came through for training.

Harrison's unique leadership style and influence on younger generations was recognized during the change of command ceremony July 15, at the Old Post Quadrangle where Col. Timothy Parker succeeded Harrison as the detachment commander.

"In a period of time when you have youngsters coming in for a bevy of reasons ... the investment you place in those individuals will pay forward again and again and again. It shows your character as a leader, and developer of men and women of character," said Lt. Gen. Mark Brilakis, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, deputy commandant.

Brilakis gave the crowd a Texas A&M University "Go Aggies" shout out in recognition of the Harrison's alma mater before describing Harrison's contributions to the Marine Corps.

"Wayne Harrison is a great artilleryman. He has spent most of his career, unlike a lot of us Marines, in the artillery. He has shown a devotion to this study, this science, this art, this magical MOS unlike a lot of Marines. He has gone back and back again. He has done hard things in the community. He has done things that we've asked him to do for the first time ever, and done it well. And it's fitting that he ends up here at Fort Sill, the home of Marine artillery. The place where we innovate, we think, we muscle through, we solve problems," said Brilakis.

After nearly 28 years of service, Harrison is retiring with his family to Texas. In his final speech as a Marine and commander, he expressed his appreciation for the Corps.

"I want to thank the Marine Corps for taking care of my family. You know it's a hard life, but every time we needed something the Marine Corps took care of us.

"I want to thank the Marine Corps for showing me what sacrifice, selfless sacrifice really means. I've seen what Marines will do for each other and it just humbles the heart. I've seen amazing things from Marines. They will run into a burning Humvee and they will get their buddy out. They will never leave their buddy there. I've seen things like that. But it's the little things that amaze me the most. Like the Marine sharing his canteen of water with his bud because he knows his bud is thirsty; or his last meal, his last MRE because he doesn't want his buddy to go hungry; or his last round of magazines because he doesn't want his buddy to not have any rounds. These Marines do this, not for God and country, although that's a big part of it, they do it because they don't want to let the Marine on the left or right of them down. They do it because they love each other. When you understand true love, where you're going to lay down your life for somebody, that is the feeling I cannot describe. I can only tell you I felt it and the Marine Corps gave it to me."

Harrison thanked his mother for making him into a "glass half-full" man and thanked his wife for being "a better Marine" than even he because of her love of the Corps.

He finished his speech describing the incoming commander as a true professional. He said Parker will be a great detachment commander and he "will definitely take the MARDET to new heights of excellence."

Before the final pass and review on the parade field, Parker said "I don't want to replace Wayne. My hats off to you Wayne. I know I have big shoes to fill and I feel honored and privileged to pick up where you left off."