FORT LEE, Va. (May 22, 2013) -- The Ordnance Corps hosted a change of command ceremony to welcome the 38th Chief of Ordnance Friday on Whittington Parade Field.
Less than 12 months after taking command, Brig. Gen. Edward M. Daly handed the reins over to Col. John F. "Jack" Haley, a 25-year Army officer whose past assignments include a two-year stint at the White House, two tours in Iraq and his previous position as a special assistant to the commanding general of Army Materiel Command.
The Ordnance Corps and school flourished under Daly's leadership, said Maj. Gen. Larry D. Wyche, commanding general of CASCOM, who presided over the event.
"When Colonel Daly took command as the 37th Chief of Ordnance, he came fully equipped -- an intellectual doer and a stellar reputation with an innate ability to develop a vision and understand the environment at every level," Wyche said. "With those attributes -- as well as his strategic thinking and his warrior spirit -- he has led the Ordnance Corps and our Army to a greater level of readiness and responsiveness.
"Ed is a model team player while always being unselfish," continued Wyche. "Ed, let there be no doubt in your mind that you have executed your vision with precision while achieving excellence."
Daly thanked everyone for attending and said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve at Fort Lee.
"There's no place else I'd rather be than right here, right now as the 37th chief of Ordnance." Daly said. "I have truly enjoyed the last 12 months, standing shoulder to shoulder with the great people and professionals in the arena fighting for the future successes of our Army."
Daly is set to become the deputy commander of 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.
Keeping with the Army tradition of having the best leaders, Wyche said Haley fits the bill.
"The Army also ensures its formations are commanded by the best, and in this case, it's no different," Wyche said. "Jack and Jennifer (his wife) make up a great command team. They are more than qualified and capable, and I know they will perform in an outstanding manner. The Soldiers, civilians and family of the Ordnance Corps remain in good hands with Colonel Haley, the 38th Chief of Ordnance."
Haley has the experience needed to succeed as the head of the Ordnance Corps, Wyche said.
"Jack understands the importance of support to the war-fighter and is a proven leader who brings an extraordinary combination of talent and experience to the position," he said. "He knows the value of training, understands leader development and will continue to move the corps forward in the 21st century."
Daly agreed with Wyche and said Haley is the right person for the job.
"Standing ready to lead our Ordnance Corps into the next chapter of lineage and history -- as we train and equip our Army to be one of preparation, expeditionary in mindset and globally responsive -- is Jack Haley, the 38th Chief of Ordnance," Daly said. "Jack and Jennifer will do incredibly tremendous work here. Jack is a warrior logistician with absolutely unprecedented experience. He is a leader who cares and understands how the Army operates. He is cognizant that there is no greater honor than leading and training Soldiers."
It's an honor to join the CASCOM team, said Haley.
"Twenty-five years ago, when I reported to the Ordnance Corps basic officer course at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., I would have never imagined that I would be the 38th Chief of Ordnance," he said. "I am truly honored to be here."
Haley said he is humbled and excited about the challenges that lay ahead.
"In addition to my role as commandant, I am fully committed to my role as the regimental Chief of Ordnance -- a faithful steward and proponent of U.S. Army Ordnance doctrine, materiel and personnel worldwide," he said. "On that note, I want to clear -- this is a change of command, not a change in direction. The Ordnance School is and will remain relevant."
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