Fort Bragg garrison receives new leader

By Eve MeinhardtJune 26, 2009

Fort Bragg garrison receives new leader
Col. David G. Fox, front left, outgoing Fort Bragg Garrison commander, switches sides with incoming commander, Col. Stephen J. Sicinski, front right, symbolizing the change of command after the passing of the garrison colors the ceremony Monday at Fo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Bragg is the largest U.S. Army installation by population and the job of the garrison comA,A!mander is never ending. Even on the day that Col. David G. Fox, outgoing garrison commander, relinquished command to Col. Stephen J. Sicinski, Fox's morning was busy handling various issues including closing Fort Bragg's largest gate. Fox called the events, "a normal Fort Bragg day."

Even though during his tour as garrison commander he will face many stressful Fort Bragg days, Sicinski said he was looking forward to the challenge during his remarks at the Fort Bragg Garrison change of command ceremony Monday on the Main Post Parade Field.

"I am humbled by the task ahead of me," said Sicinski, after taking a few quiet seconds at the podium to absorb the moment. "I look forward to serving the Soldiers, their Families and the civilians of Fort Bragg."

Sicinski's remarks were short, but he promised to continue working towards improving the quality of life for everyone on Fort Bragg. Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin, III, commander, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg said he had no doubts that Sicinski was up for the challenge.

"I can tell he's ready. He has the gleam in his eye and the fire in his belly to propel this installation to the next level," said Austin. "I know it will be the best three years of his Army career."

Fox spoke from experience that he enjoyed his three years as garrison commander.

"This is not the type of organization I hoped to command, but after three years as the garrison commander, I wouldn't trade it for anything, " said Fox, a Special Forces Soldier who has served the majority of his career at Fort Bragg. "Fort Bragg has been called the center of the universe; it is so much more than that. It is a national treasure and I am truly glad to call it my home."

Fox thanked local community leaders, the garrison staff and Fort Bragg's leaders, Soldiers, Families and civilians for the numerous achievements of Fort Bragg Garrison during his tenure, including second place as a 2009 Army Community of Excellence; the Secretary of the Army's first-ever Installation Sustainability Award in 2008; and the Deployment Excellence Award in 2008, mobilizing 29,321 and demobilizing 20,915 Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines since June 2006.

"To work on Fort Bragg, you have to love Fort Bragg," said Fox, as he spoke about the dedication of those living and working on the installation.

Sicinski's military accomplishments and training are numerous. This is his second time living and working on Fort Bragg, his first assignment here was with 96th Civil Affairs Battalion as a team com-mander. His parents live in Melbourne, Fla. and he has Family living in Joliet, Ill. His wife, Theresa, is a retired chief warrant officer three and they have three children, Crystal, 24, Rachel, 13, and Joshua, 11.

Fox leaves Fort Bragg for a tour in Iraq as part of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, where he will oversee police operations.