Garrison incoming commander Col. Bob Pastorelli finds himself in the same situation his predecessor, Col. John Olshefski, was in three years ago.
Pastorelli takes the reins from a popular commander just as Olshefski did in following Bob Devlin in 2005.
"It's quite evident that you've made a huge impact here," Pastorelli told Olshefski during the Garrison change of command ceremony July 29 at Bob Jones Auditorium. "And it'll be big shoes to fill, and I accept the challenge."
Davis Tindoll, director of the Installation Management Command, Southeast Region, conducted the change of command.
"Col. Olshefski's accomplishments have been many during his three years as Garrison commander," Tindoll said.
Participants in the passing of the Garrison flag included Tindoll, Olshefski, Pastorelli and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey Cooper.
Maj. Gen. Jim Myles, commander of the Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal, praised Olshefski for his accomplishments and welcomed Pastorelli.
"Bob is going to do a phenomenal job," Myles said. "And he's going to take it to the next level."
Said Pastorelli, "It's a distinct honor and privilege to be here today and accept the command of an outstanding organization."
Olshefski received the Legion of Merit from Myles during his retirement ceremony July 28 in Bob Jones Auditorium.
"John has done all the hard jobs. And John has done them exceptionally well," Myles said. "And we should all be thankful that he's come our way."
Culminating a 27-year career Olshefski and his wife, Sharon, plan to stay in Huntsville.
"I ain't retiring," Olshefski quipped. "I'm graduating."
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