FORT KNOX, Ky. (June 27, 2013) -- "Strength starts here." Referring to Army Recruiting Command located at Fort Knox, Ky., that comment was echoed repeatedly during a ceremony June 27 that welcomed the command's new deputy commanding officer and said farewell to the outgoing deputy commanding general.
"I knew I would return to Fort Knox, but I never expected to return in this capacity," said USAREC DCO Col. James Iacocca.
Iacocca was the commander of 3rd Recruiting Brigade located at Fort Knox from 2008 to 2010 where he was instrumental in the creation of the partnership zones between USAREC and Cadet Command and was a driving force behind a concept called team recruiting. He served on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon prior to returning to USAREC.
"We are the face of the Army in most places across America, we must represent our nation well," said Iacocca. "We are charged with recruiting and then caring for America's treasure. We must live our values, enforce our standards and be the role models. I am truly honored and humbled to be here and look forward to doing my part."
USAREC Commanding General Maj. Gen. Allen Batschelet welcomed Iacocca to the team saying, "James, with your previous experience, I know you'll begin doing great things right off the bat. I look forward to having you as my deputy."
Batschelet then turned his attention to his outgoing DCG, Brig. Gen. Henry Huntley, listing Huntley's multiple accomplishments at command before saying goodbye and good luck.
"Henry is passionate about giving back to the nation and the Army, has a firm grasp on the command's capabilities and executes his duties with professionalism and integrity," said Batschelet. "His actions and his willingness to go out of his way to support organizations, tell the Army story and share his personal experiences is a perfect example of selfless service and living the Army Values."
During his 2-year tenure at USAREC, Huntley oversaw the transformation of a concept called Small Unit Recruiting, officiated mega future soldier training events, spoke at dozens of high schools across the country, attended educational summits, national sporting events and grassroots efforts to educate people about the Army and was instrumental in supporting the All-American Bowl, the annual high school football game sponsored by the Army.
"Henry would go out of his way to tell the Army story and more importantly, he would tell his Army story," said Batschelet. "He spent many weekends traveling, many times in his POV, to colleges, high schools and civic events speaking to young men, women, teachers, community leaders and influencers about his experiences as an Army officer. Due to his selfless service, we, as an Army, and especially a command, are better understood, better appreciated and held in higher regard throughout this nation."
As Huntley welcomed his replacement to USAREC, he told Iacocca to take the mantra "Strength Starts Here" to heart every day.
"Strength starts here means we have a responsibility to go out and recruit the best and the brightest so that this nation is safe," said Huntley. "We have a responsibility to make sure we engage and educate folks about who we are, why we wear this uniform and why we are so passionate about what we do and why we do it. I'm so thankful for having had the opportunity to be here, and it's been an honor to serve as Army Recruiting Command's deputy commanding general."
Huntley's new assignment is in Washington, D.C. as the Director of Human Resource Policy.
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