ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois -- (June 20, 2018) Col. Stephen C. Marr took command of U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal in a ceremony June 20 at the Arsenal's historic Quarters 1. Relinquishing command was Col. Kenneth J. Tauke.
Marr, a West Point Graduate, is an armor officer. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1996, and has had numerous assignments in armor throughout his career, including serving as aide de camp to the 1st Cavalry Division Commanding general in 2004. Marr served as the CJTF-4 Director of Operation in Regional Command (South) among his combat assignments.
"It's good to be in the Midwest again," Marr said during his ceremony comments. "Thanks to the Garrison team for making for an easy transition in the weeks and months leading up to this. I couldn't have asked for anything more."
"I've been really fortunate to be involved in a number of community partnerships," Marr said, "but I challenge anyone to find a partnership than the one I've seen in just the short time I've been here. Thank you to the Quad Cities for supporting the Arsenal workforce and those of us who are here only temporarily. I look forward to getting to know all of you."
Tauke, outgoing commander, emphasized the Arsenal's ongoing importance to missions around the globe. "I am passionate about Rock Island Arsenal. I love this place. It is not only one of the economic drivers of the Quad Cities, but it is essential to the Army; First Army training reserve component soldiers around the word; Army Sustainment Command delivering material and equipment around the world; Joint Munitions Command delivering to our troops and allies around the world; Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center forging steel for our joint forces ensuring equipment is manufactured for work around the world; Army Contracting Command working to ensure contract services are available to soldiers around the world; the Corps of Engineers maintaining the safety of our waterways to ensure commerce -- around the world."
He said services from RIA were available to him on three deployments, "I've been to war with you… the community that supports the national defense right here on this 960-acre island."
The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Arsenal Island Golf Club.
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