FORT SILL, Okla., July 14, 2016 -- Pledging his commitment to his Soldiers, staff and the Lawton-Fort Sill community, Col. Samuel Curtis assumed command of the Fort Sill Garrison during a change of command ceremony July 8, at Old Post Quadrangle.
"To the commanders and Soldiers: Anne (his wife) and I are so honored to serve you and we'll work tirelessly in conjunction with our garrison civilian teammates to make sure you and your families are taken care of so you can stay focused on the mission," said Curtis, an armor, and Special Operations Forces officer and native of Dallas.
Curtis assumed command from Col. Glenn Waters who will move on to the Army G1 Resiliency Directorate chief of staff in Crystal City, Va. Waters had led the garrison since July 2, 2013.
Joe Capps, Installation Management Command Central (IMCOM) Region director, served as the reviewing officer.
During the ceremony, Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Puckett, the custodian of the garrison colors, passed the colors to Waters. The colonel then handed them to Capps symbolizing the passing of the mantle of his leadership.
Capps then transferred the colors to Curtis. With this hand off, the command and loyalty of its Soldiers and civilians was given to Curtis. The new commander then returned the colors to Puckett for safekeeping.
In his remarks, Capps recounted the numerous accomplishments of Waters during his three-year tenure, and he also welcomed the Curtises to Fort Sill.
COLONEL WATERS
"Colonel Waters balanced the needs of the senior commander, tenant organizations, the garrison and the local community, and set priorities consistent with mission requirements," Capps said. "He played a pivotal role in ensuring Fort Sill's support to the Global War on Terrorism as the second largest basic training post in the Army.
"Colonel Waters also ensured that mobilization facilities were properly resourced and prepared to meet all contingencies," Capps said.
"(He) championed the implementation of the Soldier for Life program at Fort Sill. Glenn was directly responsible for driving down unemployment for Soldiers separating from Fort Sill.
Capps described Curtis as a proven leader ideally suited to lead the Fort Sill team.
"Sam, I welcome you and your family to IMCOM," the director said. "I am fully confident that you will lead this garrison with the same professionalism, pride and expertise that you've demonstrated throughout your career."
COLONEL CURTIS
Curtis is a 23-year Soldier, whose most recent assignment was as Special Operations Command Africa deputy commander. Curtis has gone on numerous deployments worldwide. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, and master's degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and Army War College. He is a recipient of the Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.
In his speech, Curtis said he and his family were excited and blessed to be at Fort Sill, and that he was looking forward to working with the Lawton-Fort Sill community, including its many Native American tribes and nations.
"God bless you all, God bless our Army, God bless the United States of America," Curtis concluded. "Lead to Serve. Oklahoma Pride. Army Strong."
Waters said being garrison commander was not a job, but a privileged position.
He added that leaving was bittersweet because in the twilight of his Army career this was the last time he would be a commander.
"For those of you who have had the privilege before, you understand the emotions involved with that," Waters said.
He said he had developed many friendships and relationships during his time here, and that they will be treasured for life.
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