FORT POLK, Louisiana (July 1, 2020) -- Command of the Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Polk contracting office in Louisiana changed hands during a ceremony June 25 at the installation’s Warrior Center.
Lt. Col. David Taylor passed the organizational colors to incoming commander Lt. Col. Lisbon Williams in a ceremony officiated by Col. Ryan Roseberry, the Fort Polk Garrison commander.
“I am proud to be here to support the leaders and organization that provides monumental support to this installation,” Roseberry said.
The garrison commander said Fort Polk bids farewell to a an outstanding commander, consummate team player, an exceptional Army Acquisition Corps officer, and a true friend to the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. Roseberry cited Taylor’s role in realigning MICC-Fort Polk under the 418th Contracting Support Brigade shortly upon his arrival three years ago and leveraging that opportunity to redesign the contracting office’s grade structure and positions to increase contracting capabilities by more than 50% now critical in executing hundreds of construction, renovation and demolition projects across the installation.
“You were instrumental in the acquisition planning and oversight of a $100 million mission support contract enabling the United States Army to prepare 28 Infantry Brigade Combat Teams and five Security Force Assistance Brigades for the crucible (JRTC training), while simultaneously supporting our families by ensuring contracts were in place to improve the quality of life here at JRTC and Fort Polk,” Roseberry said of Taylor’s support.
Roseberry said as Taylor’s time of command was drawing to a close, he once again answered his nation’s call during the COVID-19 pandemic by deploying to New Orleans to ensure contracted life support services in the Army’s response to the pandemic.
Taylor said it has been an honor to be part of the JRTC and Fort Polk team.
“During my three years at the MICC, the team, along with our mission partners — JRTC Operations Group and the garrison — worked to enable the mission through contracting and benefit Fort Polk,” he said, also recognizing the contributions of his staff. “Three years ago we entered into the fiscal year with only five contract professionals to obligate $120 million. Besides being undermanned, you made the impossible possible and Fort Polk is grateful. I’m proud and humble to have been your commander. I know you will continue to be successful contracting for Soldiers and forging the warrior spirit.”
As Taylor leaves, the Fort Polk Garrison commander said the Army has delivered a tremendous replacement in Williams.
“You are an experienced warrior, highly recruited technical expert and just what the doctor ordered with the complexities that await us on the horizon. We are delighted to have you and your wife join the JRTC and Fort Polk team,” Roseberry said.
Williams said it was with great pleasure and humility that he takes command of the Fort Polk MICC.
“I’m excited to work with this great team of contracting professionals and contributing to the overall mission of supporting Fort Polk Soldiers and families. I’m looking forward to witnessing the JRTC mission and its vital importance to Army readiness in defense of this great nation,” Williams said. “I couldn’t be prouder to be the Fort Polk MICC commander, and I look forward to helping this team grow personally and professionally.”
About the MICC:
Headquartered at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the Mission and Installation Contracting Command consists of about 1,500 military and civilian members who are responsible for contracting goods and services in support of Soldiers as well as readying trained contracting units for the operating force and contingency environment when called upon. MICC contracts are vital in feeding more than 200,000 Soldiers every day, providing many daily base operations support services at installations, facilitate training in the preparation of more than 100,000 conventional force members annually, training more than 500,000 students each year, and maintaining more than 14.4 million acres of land and 170,000 structures.
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