FORT LEE, Va. -- A building that sees thousands of Soldiers in training as they enter the world of Army logistics is now named for a man who left a lasting impression.
The 262nd Quartermaster Battalion Headquarters building, now bears the name of retired Col. Alexander D. Davis, better known around the installation as "Big Al," who died unexpectedly in 2013.
Army Materiel Command's top leader Gen. Dennis L. Via, who first met Davis during his ROTC days at Virginia State University, spoke at the dedication ceremony June 5, addressing a large crowd of family and friends.
"I watched his example of leadership, service and commitment on full display," Via said, as he recalled meeting Davis as he entered the ROTC program when Via was a senior.
They shared a fraternal bond in Kappa Alpha Psi and crossed paths during their careers.
Before the dedication plaque was unveiled, Via noted the inscription that read, "Lifeline for Life."
"He coined those words as the battalion's motto many years ago," Via said of Davis. "But I could easily see it as his personal motto of a lifetime of heart-felt service to his fellow Soldiers. As we remember him today and every day, I know the 262nd headquarters building will stand for many years as a tribute to his great legacy."
Maj. Gen. Gwen Bingham, commanding general of U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, also recalled her service and friendship with Davis as she spoke at the dedication.
"It's fitting that the battalion headquarters be dedicated to this giant of a man, well known throughout Fort Lee as a leader, a mentor and a friend," Bingham said. "Colonel Davis served as executive officer and commander of this very battalion during his distinguished Army career and truly embodied the motto of this organization -- Lifeline to Victory, Lifeline for Life."
Davis, who was the distinguished military graduate, received his commission after earning his bachelor's degree in marketing from Virginia State University. He also earned a masters' degree in Human Resource Management from Chapman University and in Strategic Studies form the U.S. Army War College. He served in a variety of multifunctional logistics assignments, both stateside and overseas and deployed to Iraq in 2005. He retired in 2010 and worked as a Department of the Army civilian as director of operations and training management at Fort Lee.
His wife, Karen, daughters and mother attended the ceremony.
Karen Davis thanked those in attendance and those who made the dedication possible.
She said her husband had plenty of nicknames, but he didn't become "Big Al," until he became a captain. "He was a person who was always happy, upbeat, loved friends around and cherished the time he could give to anyone, any time."
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