Col. Jeremy Fletcher replaced Col. Thomas Macdonald as garrison commander June 21 in a change of command ceremony at Ridgway Hall.

“(This) ceremony gives me the opportunity to carry on the tradition of formally transferring responsibility and authority of command of this outstanding garrison,” said Davis Tindoll, director of the Installation Management Command, Southeast Region. “In addition, I am privileged to recognize the achievements of Colonel Tom and Amy Macdonald " then welcome a new command team, Colonel Jeffrey Fletcher and his wife Patricia.”

Tindoll said because of Fletcher’s demonstrated leadership, he was confident Fletcher would build on the success of Macdonald.

“His assignments, extensive experience and military education offer impeccable credentials for garrison command,” Tindoll said.

Fletcher’s previous assignment was as the deputy G-1 in the Third Army, U.S. Army Central in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Fletcher " a native of Columbus " graduated from Kendrick High School in 1984.

Fletcher said establishing roots in the Columbus and Fort Benning area was the result of having a military father. He felt privileged to be the new garrison commander at Fort Benning and to be able to take care of Soldiers and their Families.

“And being able to do it in my hometown where I’ve gone to school and grown up and had the support of family and friends and relatives over the years " that just makes it a little bit more special,” he said.

Fletcher said as a fellow Soldier, he understands the sacrifices of Soldiers and their Families.

“I’m looking forward to meeting them and getting their feedback,” he said. “I find that the feedback that I get from those folks helps me to stay focused on a daily basis on what we as a garrison need to accomplish.”

Fletcher said Macdonald and his wife, Amy, were a role model command team.

“Your passion for Soldiers and their Families was evident from the very first time that we met,” Fletcher said. “I’m privileged to assume command from such a gifted leader.”

Macdonald said Fletcher and his wife, Patricia, will have an amazing experience and are in for the ride of their lives.

“I know the garrison will flourish under your leadership,” Macdonald said. “I feel very good about this transition and wish you all of the luck and godspeed.”

Macdonald said his time as garrison commander was a rewarding experience.

“I have to say that I wasn’t sure how I would adapt " much less enjoy " serving as a garrison commander,” he said. “I remember trying to learn the new lingo for garrison " CLS was not combat lifesaver it was common levels of support.”

In the almost three years as garrison commander, Macdonald said it had to be the most challenging time to be garrison commander at Fort Benning, calling it an “exciting job.”

Tindoll said Macdonald and his team faced environmental challenges in dealing with the $3.5 billion BRAC construction. Macdonald was able to get BRAC construction timelines ahead of schedule due to his efforts to make sure Fort Benning met all environmental requirements, he said.

Macdonald helped improve the quality of life through focusing on the implementation of the Army Family Covenant, supporting Comprehensive Soldier Fitness programs and improving communication between Fort Benning and the local community, Tindoll said.

Tindoll said Macdonald reached out to Soldiers and their Families by making use of social media to conduct town hall meetings, which drew more than 14,000 participants. He said other garrisons across the Army emulated Macdonald’s initiative.

“Colonel Macdonald is one of those outstanding leaders who has succeeded in overcoming challenges to ensure Fort Benning has made contributions, not only to Army readiness, but in providing the best possible quality of life for Soldiers, their Families and the entire Army team,” Tindoll said.

Macdonald’s next assignment is as the senior advisor to the Minister of Defense for Afghanistan, Kabul.