Despite overcast skies and the threat of heavy downpour, several hundred military and civilian guests converged on Fort A.P. Hill to witness the changing of leadership during a Change of Command, Change of Responsibility Ceremony, June 17.
Lt. Col. Andrew Q. Jordan assumed command of the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort A.P. Hill from Col. David A. Meyer who has been selected to serve as director of the Security Forces Assistance Center, Resolute Support Mission Headquarters, Afghanistan.
Jordan comes to Fort A.P. Hill from Headquarters, Special Operations Command Central, where he served as its director of Future Operations.
Also during the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Parker assumed responsibility as the garrison's senior enlisted advisor from Command Sgt. Maj. Weiquan A. Ho.
Davis D. Tindoll, Jr., director, Atlantic Region, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, officiated at the ceremony.
"Today's ceremony gives me the opportunity to carry on the tradition of formally transferring the responsibility and authority of garrison command," Tindoll said.
"Colonel Jordan and Command Sgt. Maj. Parker bring extensive experience to their new positions," he said. Jordan has served combat tours in Albania, Kosovo, Afghanistan and four tours in Iraq.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Parker comes to us from Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as the III Corps operations sergeant major in the Provost Marshall Office," Tindoll said. "His career has included deployments to Iraq along with Kuwait.
"I am confident that with your demonstrated leadership, you will build on the successes of your predecessors," he said. "The challenges are many but I am confident you will bring new energy and excellence to the garrison and this installation."
Earlier in the day, Tindoll recognized Meyer and Ho for their leadership success which culminated in the garrison garnering the Bronze in the 2016 Army Communities of Excellence Award Program. Meyer was awarded the Legion of Merit, while Ho was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal.
Jordan welcomed the challenge and shared his sentiments about commanding.
"I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to command the U.S. Army Garrison, Fort A.P. Hill," he said. "Over the last couple of weeks, we have been overwhelmed by your hospitality and graciousness towards our family. We truly get the sense that A.P. Hill is a family and are grateful for your welcoming open arms.
"Your commitment to excellence and the professional manner in which you conduct the business of our nation is beyond reproach," he said. "You provide an invaluable service to our nation's war fighters. The training and resources you provide undoubtedly support, sustain and have saved the lives of our nation's most valuable resource on the battlefield, the Solders of our great Army.
"I look forward to working with you closely in the days to come," he said.
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