FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 15, 2015) -- Col. Andrew Hilmes took command of Fort Benning Garrison from Col. Michail "Gus" Huerter at a change of command ceremony July 8 in front of McGinnis-Wickam Hall.
Hilmes earned his commission as an Armor officer in 1995 from the United States Military Academy. Over the course of his 20-year military career, Hilmes has deployed to Bosnia- Herzegovina, Kuwait and Iraq. His awards and decorations include the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachute Badge and Air Assault Badge.
"Andy is not a stranger to Fort Benning. He's been here as a tactical leader. He's been the operations officer for the Maneuver Center of Excellence, which is not an easy task," said Maj. Gen. Scott Miller, commanding general of the MCoE.
The Garrison commander oversees the infrastructure and support services needed for Soldiers and their Families, a job similar to that of a city planner. Miller said commanding a garrison is not what combat arms officers train for their entire military career.
"They train to interact with people. They train to command people, command formations in difficult times, deal with Families, but they've never been properly trained to command, if not complex, the very, very complicated command that resides in the garrison," Miller said.
Miller called Hilmes the "guy for the job."
"A combat arms officer, maybe didn't get any training as he came forward to prepare him for this most difficult command, but at the same time, I know you're more than up for this one," Miller said.
Davis D. Tindoll Jr., director of Installation Management Command, Atlantic region, hosted the ceremony.
He said with Hilmes's demonstrated leadership, he is confident that he will build on the successes of his predecessors.
"The challenges are many, but I'm confident you will bring new energy and excellence to the garrison command and this Army community of excellence," Tindoll said.
Hilmes said taking command of the garrison is a humbling task and he is excited to join the ranks of the garrison team.
"I am in awe of everything you do, every day. When you look at the diverse missions that occur across this installation, along with the different types of units that call Fort Benning home, it takes a very dedicated, versatile and skilled workforce to enable success. You've earned my respect a long time ago, now it's time for me to earn yours," he said.
Hilmes told Huerter he would keep building on the foundation he created.
"Your passion for providing our Soldiers and their Families with the very best is refreshing," Hilmes said. "Our Soldiers and their Families deserve a place that they are proud to call home and your hard work and dedication have made that a reality to so many, including my own Family," Hilmes said.
Huerter, who has served as garrison commander at Fort Benning since 2013, said it has been an honor and privilege to work alongside and live in the community for the past two years.
"A community that doesn't settle for the way it's always been done, or settle for something less than the very best; a community that doesn't fail, because they or we won't let it fail; a community that strives for excellence in everything they do," Huerter said.
Tindoll said Huerter has been a constant professional, leading, directing and coordinating the efforts of the garrison.
"You have provided the best possible service to this Fort Benning community and have made the Soldiers, civilians and their Families believe they live, work and play on the best installation in the Army. You have made a lasting impression on this community of excellence, well done," Tindoll said.
Miller said he has known Huerter for the better part of a decade and that he is one of the best garrison commanders he has seen in his career.
"I think what stands out to me is your care of people, your focus on the job, and also the acknowledgement that there are lot of great people underneath you working to make things happen. Your personal energy is something that has been so important here at Fort Benning. We're going to miss you as a community, as a Maneuver Center of Excellence, as a garrison and I will miss you as a personal friend," he said.
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