NATICK, Mass. (June 16, 2015) -- Lt. Col. Ryan Raymond assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison Natick in a June 16 ceremony at Hunter Auditorium.
Brig. Gen. William Cole, Natick Soldier Systems Center senior commander, welcomed Raymond to Natick.
"You'll learn fast that you have an outstanding staff that is committed to Natick," Cole said. "I know you'll enjoy your time in command."
Davis D. Tindoll Jr., director of the Atlantic Region, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, added his own welcome to Raymond.
"Colonel Raymond brings extensive experience to his new position," Tindoll said. "He has served combat tours in Kuwait, Kosovo and Iraq and comes to us from Headquarters, Department of the Army, as the director of Education and Training for the Soldier for Life program -- (an) important job."
Raymond took over from Lt. Col. Brian Greata. Tindoll praised Greata's work at Natick over the past two years.
"Colonel Greata has excelled as a consummate professional leader directing and coordinating the efforts of the Natick garrison during a time of immense challenges," Tindoll said. "He postured the garrison for continued success in its path to be a most efficient, responsive and flexible organization capable of accomplishing its mission, now and in the future."
Cole said he relied on Greata when his duties as Research Development and Engineering Command deputy commander took him away from Natick.
"As a senior commander who spends a lot of time on the road like I do … it is a comfort to have such a strong garrison leadership team," Cole said. "I've been fortunate, especially, to be able to depend on your leadership, Brian."
As Greata pointed out, his tenure included two furloughs, the government shutdown, sequestration, budget and manpower cuts, and historic snowfalls.
"But despite these challenges, the garrison has continued to plug away at the problems we face in order to make this installation the best we can," said Greata, "so that you all can continue to benefit the entire Army with the research and development conducted here."
Prior to the change-of-command ceremony, Raymond took a moment to reflect on how grateful he was to inherit a seasoned garrison team.
"I think there's always a new set of challenges," Raymond said. "There seems to be a trend of constrained resources that require innovation to solve. That's why the staff is so critically important, that we encourage critical thinking, and we let people who are professionals -- experienced professionals in their business -- do what they do best and just clear the way.
"People first: They're our greatest asset. We thrive through relationships."
Raymond, a Maine native, is married and has a daughter. His family was unable to attend the change-of-command ceremony.
"My family and I couldn't be happier to be here," Raymond said. "The welcome that I've received so far has been just incredible, and I'm really looking forward to the next couple of years."
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