FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 29, 2014) -- Col. William J. Greenwood assumed command of the U.S. Army Dental Activity from Col. Stephen J. Awe during a change of command ceremony Oct. 22 at Love Dental Clinic.
Greenwood addressed the DENTAC workforce and said he was honored to serve as the new commanding officer.
"He is going to be a great fit down here at Fort Benning," said Col. Lemuel Covington, Southern Regional Dental Command, Fort Gordon, Georgia, and reviewing officer for the ceremony. "This is an important DENTAC. This (DENTAC) is one of the biggest in our region, so it is very strategic and important. I think (Greenwood) is definitely the right person for this."
Greenwood came to Fort Benning from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he was the assistant director over the Advanced Education in General Dentistry, a two-year program.
He is a member of the American Dental Association and associate professor of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.
He received his doctorate of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University. Greenwood brings with him his wife, Kellene "Kiki" Marie Greenwood, an ex-Army Blackhawk pilot, fixed wing pilot, personal trainer and, currently, a local Coldwell Banker realtor.
Outgoing commander, Col. Stephen J. Awe, thanked everyone he worked alongside during his time as commanding officer at DENTAC.
"It's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my close-to-34-year career, and it is really working with professionals day in and day out that make this a great place to be," Awe said. "It is one of the best jobs for any Dental Corps officer."
Awe served as commander of the Fort Benning DENTAC for three years. Covington said Awe was responsible for several renovations at dental clinics on Fort Benning during his time as commander, including Bernheim Dental Clinic and Solomon Dental Clinic, both of which got multimillion dollar renovations. Covington said Awe and his staff were also involved in the plans and construction of a new dental clinic in Florida near Eglin Air Base, which will support the 7th Special Forces Group.
Among other accomplishments during his command, Covington said Awe was responsible for moving DENTAC headquarters out of Love Dental Clinic and into a "building of opportunity," on Main Post.
"As we expected, Col. Awe did a great job, and he leaves the organization in great shape for Col. Greenwood," Covington said.
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