In his final global town hall, the Army Materiel Command's top leader said farewell to the AMC workforce and thanked the crowd for nearly six years of support.

After a 36-year career in the Army, Gen. Dennis L. Via will pass the AMC colors to Lt. Gen. Gustave Perna, who will be promoted to the rank of general prior to the change of command, on the AMC Parade Field, Sept. 30.

"Transitions are hard, but Linda and I want to ensure you that we poured everything we had into this command and this community," Via said. "But I didn't do it alone; you all helped and you are the reason we were successful."

The four-star farewell marks the end of Via's four years commanding AMC, with two years before that as the AMC deputy commanding general.

"This is a change in leadership, but it is not a change in mission. I know you will continue to build on the great success of AMC," he said. "The Army and the joint force could not function without this command and what you do."

Via and his wife Linda plan to return to Virginia and spend time with their families and focus on giving back to youth.

"I want to give back to youth; I want to show them an example of what can happen when you work hard, persevere, believe in yourself and are given an opportunity," said Via who was inspired by his high school teacher Edward Fontaine to go to college. "You never know the impact you can have on youth."

As for other plans, Via says he wants to go fishing.

"I mean, I really want to go fishing," he said, followed up by answering a question about if he would finally be getting the boat he's been talking about wanting. "Linda always said it would sit in the driveway and never get used, but yeah, I'm getting a boat."