The passing of command from one leader to another is a timeless tradition that was renewed today as command of the United States Army Garrison was transferred at Carlisle Barracks.
Lt. Col. William McDonough formally relinquished command of the United States Army Garrison at Carlisle Barracks to Lt. Col. Kimberly Peeples May 10, during a change of command ceremony at the Wheelock Bandstand.
The event, hosted by Davis Tindoll, Jr., director of the Atlantic Region, Installation Management Command, introduced Peeples to the community and recognized McDonough for the accomplishments of his two-year command.
Tindoll started his remarks by explaining the mission of Army's Installation Management Command, which is to "provide Soldiers, Civilians, and their Families with a quality of life akin with the quality of their service."
The installation is a better home for Army Families, thanks to McDonough's work, said Tindoll. McDonough executed a campus modernization plan to streamline access to services; completed renovations to the fitness centers; and coordinated the privatization of Army Lodging on Carlisle Barracks. McDonough also oversaw funding and approval of the final housing construction phase for 56 new post housing units, and broke ground on a new 20,000 square foot youth center facility for completion in 2014, said Tindoll.
McDonough called his time at Carlisle Barracks the "best job I've had in 30 years of military service." He highlighted various memorable aspects of the job: reading Dr. Seuss to kids at the Child Development Center, getting a fence for a family so their autistic child could explore outside, and providing heating and cooling units to protect the gate guards from the elements. It all gave him the opportunity to grow personally and professionally and keep "a smile on my face every single day," he said.
McDonough thanked his wife, family, garrison staff, fellow commanders, and the Carlisle Barracks community for the collaborative effort it took to accomplish these things.
McDonough will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
A 1994 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Peeples came to Carlisle Barracks from Washington D.C., where she served as a program manager in the White House Military Office. Prior to that, she served as brigade engineer for the 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, at Ft. Stewart, Ga., and has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During her remarks, Peeples gave thanks to all those who helped make the command opportunity a reality. She singled out her husband, John, her stepmom, mother in law, and USMA sponsor mom for their love and sacrifices, and for instilling in her a sense of hard work and respect. She said she looked forward to her son growing up in the Carlisle community, a great example of Army, American, and family values.
Echoing McDonough's praise for the garrison workforce, Peeples said, "To my Soldiers, Civilians, Families, I can never thank you enough for your loyalty and dedication to the mission."
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