Gen. Brooks takes command of Patton's Own, Gen. Webster retires

In one of the final ceremonies to be held on Fort McPherson’s Hedekin Field, the Army observed two important events: the change in command of Third Army/U.S. Army Central (Third Army) and the retirement of one of its general officers.

On June 3, Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks assumed command of Third Army from retiring Lt. Gen. William Webster.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, presided over the ceremony.

“It’s a genuine privilege to be here,” said Dempsey, a West Point classmate of Webster.

Many of Webster’s fellow graduating class of 1974 were also in attendance; something Dempsey said shows the impact and importance of Webster.

Describing Webster as an individual with an “unmitigated love of Soldiers and soldiering,” Dempsey said much of the success of Third Army due in part to leadership of Webster, who took command in May 2009.

Despite Third Army being deployed continuously since 2001 and one of the most engaged Army Commands in the past thirty years, Dempsey said Webster has done a remarkable job in keeping them strong and mission capable. Much of that Dempsey said could be contributed to Webster’s belief to “master your core competencies and you will be successful” and the focus on “mission, people and teamwork.”

Webster’s wife of 35 years, Kimberly, also bears some of that success, Dempsey added.

“Kim’s evidence one person can make a difference,” Dempsey said.

She is also evidence of the determination and commitment, he added.

“Kim is the definition of Army strong,” Dempsey said, adding she is a four-time cancer survivor.

Kim never let cancer stop her, Dempsey said. Wherever the Army took her husband, she was there, helping Soldiers, their Families, volunteering her time and performing community outreach, Dempsey said, earning her the honor of 2008 Army Volunteer of the Year.

“There’s no equal in our Army of taking care of Soldiers,” Dempsey said of the Webster Family, also taking time to praise the Webster’s uncompromising nature to make sure their Soldiers were taken care of and provided with what they needed.

While Dempsey had much praise for Webster, he also spoke highly of his successor.

“The Army always has an excellent command team waiting,” Dempsey said, adding he can think of no one more qualified than Brooks.

For Brooks, assuming command meant a return to a unit he said helped mold him into the leader he is today. Brooks previously served in Third Army as a colonel with duty in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization-Kosovo Forces.

Brooks said Third Army carries with it a great legacy, having been formed in 1918 at the end of World War I. Since its inception, it served as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany post World War I, took part in eight campaigns across Europe under Gen. George Patton, Jr. in World War II, served as the senior Army headquarters for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) when CENTCOM was established in 1983, and took part in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Currently Third Army has 3,700 Soldiers and Civilian employees deployed to ten countries across the world, Webster said.

“Thanks for entrusting this legacy to us,” Brooks said.

Webster thanked the Soldiers and Civilians of Third Army for all they did under his command and for keeping Third Army’s legacy strong, encouraging them to “keep up the good work.”

As for Brooks, Webster offered him his praise and best wishes.

“The Army got this right. You’re the right match for the organization,” he said. “I wish you the best of luck and God’s speed.”

Brooks reciprocated those well wishes to Webster and also to his new command, who he closed the ceremony by addressing.

“I’m ready to begin the sacred duty of command,” Brooks said. “I’m honored to join you.”