FORT SILL, Okla. (June 20, 2019) -- The colors of Marine Artillery Detachment Fort Sill were transferred symbolizing new leadership during a change of command ceremony June 14, at Old Post Quadrangle.
Incoming Col. Christopher Tavuchis, most recently the chief of staff and executive assistant to the deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at Marine Corps Headquarters (MCHQ), Quantico, Va, took the reigns from Col. Timothy Parker. Parker will retire with 34 years of service at the end of June at a ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico.
Hosting the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Calvert Worth Jr., MCHQ Training Command commanding general. Worth thanked Parker for his numerous accomplishments as MARDET commander, and welcomed the Tavuchises.
In addition to his command having trained 3,200 Marines and being responsible for 16 programs of instruction, Parker was also the connective tissue between the MARDET and MCHQ, outlying forces, and the Training Command, Worth said. He seamlessly brought together initiatives and efforts to ensure the Marine Corps brought Fires, gunnery, and artillery to the fight.
"Tim has done that in expert fashion," the general said. "From where we sit in Quantico, I know that the commandant appreciates what it is you do ... and how you've gone about undertaking your duties. You've done it professionally, you've done it with class between yourself and Sgt. Maj. (James) Moran."
As part of the ceremony, Worth presented Parker with the Legion of Merit (gold star in lieu of third award), and he gave a certificate of appreciation to Joan Parker, the colonel's wife.
In his speech, Parker thanked numerous individuals by name.
He described his assignment at the MARDET as his last chance to make a difference.
"You get to lead your own heroes. That's what is it's about," Parker said, holding back his emotions.
Parker said there was great teamwork at Fort Sill with the Marine Corps working in concert with the Army for training, supporting organizations like the USO, and participating in parades; as well as a wonderful partnership between the community and the military.
The Parkers plan to stay in the Lawton-Fort Sill communit for awhile.
This was not the first time Tavuchis was assigned to Fort Sill.
He graduated as a lieutenant from the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course here in July 1992. And, he had returned here a couple times over the past 27 years, taking advanced artillery courses.
"To come back here as the commanding officer is a gift," Tavuchis said. "I look forward to serving the Marines."
He said he visited the gun line a few days earlier, and he knew four of the six section chiefs from previous commands.
"Now they're staff NCOs, and they've budded into wonderful leaders," he said. "Watching how they lead these Marines with compassion, care, and firmness -- it's remarkable."
He described himself as a very engaged leader.
"First and foremost, I'm going to be looking out for the Marines," he said. Tuvachis added that he won't do be doing anything different from what he did leading battalion and regimental commands.
Tachuvis wished the Army a happy 244th birthday.
"What a gift for us (Marine Corps) to have a parade for you."
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