SCHWEINFURT, Germany - In a ceremony on Conn Barracks Tuesday, Lt. Col. Everett Spain assumed command of the U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt, succeeding Lt. Col. Anthony Haager, who commanded the garrison since July 2006.
Calling it a "historic moment for the Schweinfurt community," Diane Devens, director, Installation Management Command - Europe Region, noted the significance in the timing of the ceremony.
"The passing of these flags might seem insignificant to the casual eye, but in fact, this move signifies achieving a milestone on the path to the global defense posture realignment, which called for a significantly transformed Army worldwide," she said, referring to the impending command-and-control shift of the USAG Schweinfurt to an indirect-report garrison under the USAG Ansbach.
"It's very symbolic, this change of command ceremony, in terms of the Army's transformation here in Europe," she said.
Col. Christopher Hickey, USAG Ansbach commander, also delivered remarks and praised Spain's service. "A quick read of his biography will reveal that this officer is not only a superb leader but a scholar and an athlete," Hickey said. "I look forward to working with you as we implement this new streamlined command structure to provide best possible service to our mission units, Soldiers and their families," Hickey said, addressing Spain.
Spain, who was stationed in Germany earlier in his career, comes to Schweinfurt with his wife and four children from his assignment as a White House Fellow with the Department of the Treasury.
"Knowing that the future belongs to those who seek it, I ask that you please join us in working to keep our community young in spirit," with courage, compassion, ideas, spirit of teamwork, and energy, Spain said to the community in his address. "The garrison's mission is to sustain, support, defend. Those three words are exactly what we are going to continue to do together as a community for the heroes, families and civilians of 1-2 Infantry, 1-91 Cavalry, 9th Engineers, 1-77 Field Artillery, 172nd Support, 15th Engineers, 44th Signal, 12th Chemical, and all of the other distinguished units and people who serve along side of us in the wonderful place we call home: Schweinfurt," he said.
Haager's next assignment takes him to the Pentagon, with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment.
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