ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Maj. Lanelle Pickett Jr. replaced Capt. Michael Rear as the commandant for U.S. Army Sustainment Command's Headquarters and Headquarters Company during a change of command ceremony in Heritage Hall, here, Jan. 12.
HHC is primarily responsible for ASC's Soldier readiness, accountability and training. The HHC commandant is responsible for leading more than 200 Soldiers at Rock Island Arsenal and for providing administrative support to the various tenant commands. Pickett said he is pleased to be in the position.
"This wasn't just a tasker that someone put on me," he said. "I knew this was something I wanted to do, and I am excited about the opportunity."
HHC was created in 2006 when the U.S. Army Field Support Command transitioned into ASC. HHC also processes military awards; helps implement the Family Care Plan; conducts property accountability; and supports ceremonial and community events throughout the Quad Cities area.
Pickett enlisted in 2000 and was commissioned through an ROTC program as a field artillery officer in 2003. He deployed twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom and once in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. He has a master's of business degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Since 2014, Pickett has served as a lead materiel integrator for ASC at RIA
He said he is happy to gain a different perspective with the command.
"I think it is going to be a neat opportunity to serve in an organization where I've already been, but in a different capacity," he said. "It will be nice to be directly in the service of Soldiers again."
Col. Doyle Lassitter, commander, Distribution Management Center, ASC, served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony. He thanked Rear for serving as the commandant.
"Captain Rear has filled this role absolutely superbly during his time here," he said. "It is very evident that he and his family invested a tremendous amount of time and energy into our company."
Lassitter said that, under Rear's command, the overall readiness of HHC's troops increased by 15 percent, which he called "tremendous." Rear took command in December 2015.
Rear's next position will be with ASC's G-2 (Intelligence and Security).
Lassitter also welcomed Pickett.
"I have great confidence in your ability to lead this organization, and I truly expect great things from you and the team you are getting from Mike," he said.
Rear's wife, Beth, attended the event. The command presented her a bouquet of red roses to symbolize the concern that she showed for Soldiers, civilians and their families while at RIA.
Pickett's wife, Yoko, was welcomed to the ASC family. She was handed a bouquet of yellow flowers to symbolize her arrival. Pickett's sister and niece also were in attendance.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jeffrey Botsford, ASC command chaplain, provided the invocation.
A reception followed the event at the Lock and Dam Lounge in Heritage Hall.
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