FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan welcomed its new garrison commander May 11, 2021 during a ceremony held at the installation Soldier Plaza. Colonel Tomika M. Seaberry became the garrison’s 77th commander, assuming command of the only federal military installation in Puerto Rico from outgoing commander Colonel Joseph B. Corcoran III.
The Director of Installation Management Command (IMCOM) – Readiness, Ms. Brenda Lee McCullough, hosted the military ceremony attended by distinguished guests such as the Puerto Rico Secretary of State, Hon. Larry Seilhamer Rodríguez on behalf of the Governor of PR, Hon. Pedro R. Pierluisi; Mr. José Olmos on behalf of PR Resident Commissioner, Hon. Jenniffer A. González Colón; President of the PR Senate, Hon. José Luis Dalmau Santiago; the Commanding General of the 81st Readiness Division and Fort Buchanan Senior Commander, Maj. Gen. Jami C. Shawley; local government officials, representatives of federal agencies, business sector, veterans organizations, commander’s, officers and non-commissioned officers (NCO) of all armed forces in Puerto Rico, civilian employees and members of the local community.
Following the Change of Command Passing of the Colors, Ms. McCullough recognized outgoing commander, Col. Corcoran and his spouse Dr. Jennifer Lynn Corcoran for their outstanding support to the Fort Buchanan community.
McCullough presented Col. Corcoran with the Legion of Merit “for exceptionally Meritorious Service as a Garrison Commander… having significantly improved the readiness capability and quality of life for the entire Fort Buchanan community and led the installation in the preparation, response and recovery from multiple natural disasters and a world-wide pandemic.” McCullough also presented Dr. Jennifer Corcoran with the US Army Certificate of Appreciation.
McCullough recognized and thanked the members of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard (PRNG) Color Guard led by Garrison Command Sergeant Major José A. Banks and members of the PRNG 248th Army Band Hellfighters Brass Quintet under the direction of Staff Sgt. José Bocanegra, “for sharing their talents, your performance honors all who serve.” The master of ceremony was Army Sergeant Patricia M. Landrau, paralegal noncommissioned officer with the US Army Reserve 1st Mission Support Command Judge Advocate Office.
Ms. McCullough recognized Col. Corcoran’s contributions and impact as the outgoing garrison commander over the past two years, including prevailing over economic constraints, natural disasters, emergencies including the pandemic, enabling readiness, providing training and services; building cohesive and collaborative relationships with military leaders, stakeholders, federal partners, political representatives and other community leaders. “I am confident you will continue to excel at every challenge the Army gives you,” concluded.
“Commanding a garrison is tough today and it’s a business that requires strong, inspired and inspiring leadership,” said McCullough as she introduced the incoming garrison commander. “Col. Tomika Seaberry is a proven leader. She is ideally suited to lead the Fort Buchanan Team as they support the priorities and requirements set by Maj. Gen. Shawley and the IMCOM priorities by Lt. Gen. Douglas M. Gabram.”
She extended a special welcome to Col. Seaberry’s family and concluded “Tomika I am confident you will lead this garrison with the same professionalism, pride and expertise you have demonstrated throughout your career. I look forward to seeing you and your team building on recent successes and begin planning and execution to enhance Fort Buchanan. You have my full support and of that of my staff.”
Ms. McCullough also extended her gratitude to Maj. Gen. Shawley for her support to the Fort Buchanan garrison and to Dr. Corcoran for her support to the garrison community.
Col. Corcoran thanked Ms. McCullough for her words and acknowledged, “many people made my two years on Fort Buchanan one of the greatest assignments in my 23 year military career. He continued recognizing the leaders and representatives of the government of PR, all Federal Agencies and civilian institutions who support Fort Buchanan as well as the Armed Forces who “continue to work tirelessly to support the people of Puerto Rico.”
Col. Corcoran personally recognized “ten persons from across the garrison that represent the best of Fort Buchanan. Now you know why you are here.” Directorate of Emergency Service Police Officer Diego Betancourt for heroic actions; Directorate of Human Resources Automation DEERS ID Card Specialist, Solimar Vélez’ selfless service during this pandemic; Network Enterprise Center Information Technology Specialist, Arnaldo Espada, for going above and beyond the call of duty; DPW HVAC Technician, Efrain Feliciano, ensuring the commissary chillers never fail; Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) Special Events Coordinator, Julio Capacetti, in spite of the pandemic ensured installation events continued safely; DFMWR Child Youth Service Professional, Yvonne Rodriguez, for teaching children about the pandemic and why to stay safe; Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, Visual Information Specialist photo lab, José López, number two in receiving ICE comments for service; Logistics Readiness Center Transportation Motor Pool, Gabriel “Gaby” Cruz always being on point to provide transportation service, even voluntarily; Rodriguez Army Health Clinic Administrative Assistant, Ruth Rosario, the “front door” to the clinic, for providing the best support possible; USAG Command Team Administrative Support Assistant, Robert L. Carrasquillo, for keeping him and the Command Team, on time, on point and supported. Corcoran said, “Thank you all for setting the example of commitment and ensuring Fort Buchanan remains the Sentinel of the Caribbean. You are what makes Fort Buchanan awesome,” he said.
Corcoran thanked his wife and daughter for their support throughout his career. He said in closing,
“Fort Buchanan will always hold a special place in my heart. On behalf of my wife Jennifer and my daughter McKenzie, thank you for your support, your hospitality, and your devotion to something greater than yourselves. These are the gifts that my family and I will treasure the most as we depart. We humbly say, thank you.” “Dios los bendiga a todos y a sus familias.”
In her first address as Fort Buchanan’s Garrison Commander, Col. Seaberry, thanked all who attended the event and those who watched the event via Facebook Live, her family and “Joe (Col. Corcoran) and Jennifer for their dedication, commitment and hard work throughout the Garrison.” She added,
“The Seaberry’s humbly take the torch and we will continue to build and lead the Garrison with dignity and respect… I am looking forward to providing leadership, teamwork, team building, and humility throughout my leadership tenure,” Col. Seaberry concluded.
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