FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. -- Fort Novosel welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony June 22 in the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
Col. John P. Miller III assumed command of the garrison from Col. Robert J. Holcombe when he accepted the unit colors from Vincent E. Grewatz, director of Installation Management Command – Training, who hosted the event.
For Miller, this assignment is a return to what he called his “first Army home.” He recalled arriving at the post in December 2000.
“The leaders, Army civilian professionals and Families I found here in the Wiregrass nearly 23 years ago created an environment that allowed me to flourish as a new Army aviator and helped build a foundation that brought me to this day,” he said. “I’m excited to do the same for our next generation of Aviation Soldiers and their Families.”
After thanking the Holcombe Family for their warm welcome, he thanked his mentors – officers, warrant officers, NCOs, Soldiers and Army civilians – who “taught me how to do it right.”
He also thanked his wife, Mollie, and his two children. “I’m excited to share this new journey and adventure with you here in the Wiregrass.”
Miller said he is impressed with the team he’s inheriting from Holcombe.
“During the past few days, I have discovered a Fort Novosel Garrison team that shares my passion for making our post the best home for our Soldiers and Families,” he said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to join this team and sustain and build an environment dedicated to the future of Army Aviation.”
He added that while the land the post sits on has been known by many names, “for many of us here and around the world, this beautiful Alabama post is simply home. I’m proud to call Fort Novosel my home and all of you my neighbors.
“As we continue to write our new chapter, I am committed to making our post a premier installation that everyone stationed here is proud to call their home,” Miller said.
During his remarks, Grewatz said Miller was the perfect choice to assume command of the garrison.
“John, too, is an aviator in the finest tradition,” he said, adding that Miller had served as the Assault Division and Operations chief at the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization at the post during a previous assignment.
“John and Mollie bring to IMCOM a clear passion for the mission, people and Families. I can’t think of a better couple to take the helm of the garrison, and they have our full confidence and support,” Grewatz said. “I am confident you will lead this organization with pride and distinction and also take it to new levels. You will successfully meet all new challenges and elevate the garrison to new levels of innovation and performance.”
The IMCOM-Training director also thanked Holcombe and his family for their efforts and achievements during their time in command, saying they are “an impressive team who has devoted their time and energy to ensure the success of Fort Novosel.
“Jeonga, your efforts as a volunteer within the community are invaluable to our Fort Novosel Families and our Army Family. You truly made a difference,” he said. “Rob, again, thank you for all you and your Family have done for the servicemembers, Soldiers for Life and the entire community on and off the installation. Fort Novosel today is better postured to face the complexity and challenges of the future, and to advance our national defense priorities as a result. Rob, thank you for your dedicated leadership and caring and commitment to the community over the last two years.”
The outgoing commander reflected on his time in command, looking back on all the garrison team accomplished amidst the COVID pandemic, an occasionally unruly Mother Nature, the implementation of various new systems and ways of doing business to take better care of Soldiers and Families, and the redesignation of the post to Fort Novosel.
“We are marking a transition in leadership today, but it was always our stalwart Soldiers and civilians that got the mission done, even when they were tired, overworked, or when the rain was blowing sideways and trees were dropping left and right,” Holcombe said.
He added that Army civilians are “a special breed.”
“You may not realize that they serve just like those of us in uniform,” Holcombe said. “They take an oath. They always focus on the mission and they even occasionally deploy. Remember, too, that it is a good chance that your garrison teammates are veterans or military spouses. They understand what it means to serve.”
He also took time to thank his fellow commanders and leaders across the post for their support, along with his garrison command team and directors, and, of course, his Family.
Holcombe also advised Miller he’s taking over a committed team who is ready to support his efforts to take the post to a new level.
“You should know that you have a legion of professional teammates who come in every day with the singular mission of taking care of our Soldiers and Families,” he said. “You should also know that their excellence is not contained to the limits of the post. The programs and efforts of your garrison team are recognized throughout IMCOM as best practices and points of excellence. Their excellence and enthusiasm are infectious.
“John, our team is right where they need to be,” Holcombe added. “They are trained, well led and disciplined. They are ready for you and (John Watson, deputy garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Doss, garrison command sergeant major) to take them to new heights. I know they are in great hands. Jeonga and I wish you both all the best as you head into this next chapter.”
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