FORT GREELY, Alaska -- Change is inevitable in the Army, even for the "Rugged Professional" serving near the Arctic Circle.
Lt. Col. Detrice D. Mosby relinquished command of U.S. Army Garrison -- Fort Greely when she passed its colors to Lt. Col. Michael J. Foote during a ceremony April 24 at Fort Greely's Aurora Community Activity Center.
Mosby will join the 21st Theater Sustainment Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
During the ceremony, outgoing Fort Greely Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley D. Cope participated in a Change of Responsibility with incoming Fort Greely Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher E. Magee. Cope will be transferring to Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Lt. Gen. James H. Dickinson, Fort Greely's senior commander, and commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, oversaw the ceremony.
"On behalf of Command Sgt. Maj. Cope and I, it was our honor to be your command team," Mosby said. "Command is the only title in the Army where it states and directs the word 'Serve,' and it's been a true privilege to serve each of you. From our deputy to our directorates and down to the lowest most important levels, together we accomplished many amazing things some thought to be unachievable."
Before stepping down, the outgoing commander welcomed the new commander and reminded those present of the sacrifice Fort Greely Soldiers and civilians make daily in the defense of freedom.
"As I close, it warms my heart to know the Army has put this command in unquestionably exceptional hands of Lt. Col. Foote, who will take this garrison to the next level," Mosby said. "Michael and Danielle Foote, and Command Sgt. Maj. Magee and Kelly, congratulations. Welcome to life below zero, literally, and Godspeed. I'll see you on the high ground. Continue to grow the Army's coldest, windiest, but most beautiful installation."
Dr. Christine T. Altendorf, director, U.S. Army Installation Management Command -- Pacific Region, presided over the ceremony.
She said Fort Greely has grown in the past couple of years and that Mosby and Cope led their team from the front.
"A garrison commander must have collaboration, communication and organizational skills. That person must be both tactical and strategic. They must have technical expertise and interpersonal skills and can't settle for being a jack of all trades, but rather a master of all skills," Altendorf said. "These attributes were utilized by Lt. Col. Mosby over the past two years and many of you have witnessed the successes that she and her garrison team have accomplished. Under Lt. Col. Mosby's command, the garrison supported more than 100 distinguished visitors, which included multiple congressional delegations and well over 50 flag officers.
"Dee created a strong community relationship between Delta Junction and Fort Greely that helped enhance the quality of life for Soldiers and their families," she continued. "Dee, I've observed you as an individual who is passionate and responsive. You have made a difference in the lives of those you led and those you serve. You are definitely leaving your trademark of inclusiveness and collaboration on all aspects of the Fort Greely community.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Cope, as a part of the garrison command team you too share in Lt. Col. Mosby's accomplishments, and no doubt your undying dedication to duty and willingness to do 'whatever it takes' was the weight behind getting many of the tasks accomplished," Altendorf added.
She then welcomed Fort Greely's newest garrison command team and talked about what the future might bring.
"As we say goodbye to the Mosby family, please join me in welcoming the Footes to the Fort Greely garrison and to IMCOM-Pacific," Altendorf said. "The challenges here will be great, but the rewards will be even greater. You will develop skills in areas you once took for granted and the diversity of your new portfolio will allow you to enhance your servant-leader capabilities. You will be tested on your understanding and execution of mission command and you will realize that the true definition of leadership is much more about influencing than it is commanding.
"Lt. Col. Foote, you are inheriting an outstanding garrison team that will support you 100 percent. I know you will find your new assignment professionally rewarding and personally enriching," she added. "And finally, I would like to welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Magee. You come to Fort Greely with much experience and now you will expand your skills as your focus will not only be on Soldiers, but civilians as well. You will build relationships outside of the fence and you will see the impact a garrison has on its surrounding community. You will work hand-in-hand with the garrison commander and the staff will look to both of you to lead this organization."
When Foote stepped up to the podium, he thanked Altendorf for the opportunity to serve and command the best installation in the world.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Magee and I are absolutely honored and humbled to be assuming our position on this team," Foote said. "Fort Greely is 'The Shield.' Unlike the spear, which only strikes out at an enemy when called upon, the shield protects constantly. Our shield not only protects Americans, but millions of other global citizens across dozens of allied countries, every minute of every day. And you should sleep well at night because they are fantastic at their profession and they are prepared.
"U.S. Army Garrison - Fort Greely is critical to the success of 'The Shield,'" he added. "We allow the Soldiers who conduct that mission 24 hours a day, every day to execute with focus. We light their homes, we care for their children, we feed them, we secure them and their families, all while they are protecting ours."
Foote was commissioned as a field artillery lieutenant after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. His military education includes the field artillery Officer Basic Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Naval Postgraduate School and School of Advanced Military Studies.
He has held key staff and leadership positions at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Afghanistan; Iraq; Lebanon; Jordan; Saudi Arabia; and Turkey.
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