Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois – Command of U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal changed hands today as Col. Daniel Mitchell relinquished command to Col. William ‘Joe’ Parker in a ceremony held on the lawn of historic Quarters 1.
Attended by leadership from the surrounding Quad City communities and the mission partners of the installation, the ceremony was hosted by Davis D. Tindoll, Jr., director of Installation Management Command’s Sustainment Directorate.
“Let me begin by thanking our senior commander, Maj. Gen. David Wilson,” said Tindoll. “The installation management business is a team effort – and nowhere is that more evident than here at Rock Island Arsenal.”
Tindoll spoke of the unique challenges of being a garrison commander and the high expectations of those in the position. He also spoke of the accomplishments by Mitchell and the garrison team under his leadership.
“[Col. Mitchell’s] dedication and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the Army’s priorities of People, Readiness and Modernization,” he said. “Under his command, his team has achieved notable milestones that have positively impacted not only the arsenal, but the Quad Cities community at large.”
Three of those milestones included Department of the Army level awards for an Inter-government Service Agreement with Rock Island, the Secretary of the Army Energy and Water Management and a partnership with the state of Illinois.
“My remarks will focus on you,” said Mitchell to the attendees. “Because no one in a leadership position is successful without the team around them, and I’m no exception.”
His comments praised those that worked with him over the last two years in a position that was challenging. From those that served across the installation with our mission partners to those that worked for him in the garrison staff, the message of thanks resonated.
“Thank you for following my lead, and sometimes NOT following my lead,” he said to his staff. “Your expertise, adaptability, commitment and conscientiousness execution of your duties enables the units here to provide for our national defense at a local, regional and global level.”
He also had a message for the home team, his beloved family. “Katherine, Grace and Nora – thank you for your love and support throughout this command. Thank you for embracing this community and our Arsenal life. You are the most precious people in my life and I’m the man I am today because of you.”
The time-honored ceremony marks the end of Mitchell’s tenure at the command and starts his transition to retirement here in the Quad Cities area. “I look forward to continuing to be part of the Quad City community and getting to know the people of Quad Cities on a personal level,” he said.
Parker is no stranger to Rock Island Arsenal. He moves to the garrison command position from Army Sustainment Command where he served as the Director of Operations for the organization that has a world-wide logistics mission.
Tindoll says Rock Island Arsenal is in good hands with Parker. “I am certain that you will build on the successes of your predecessors. The challenges are many but I am confident you will bring great energy and excellence to this installation.”
Parker had a message for his leadership, “Thank you for this opportunity to command once again – it is truly and honor and privilege to be given such a great charge. Our people are and always have been our most precious resource and I do not take this responsibility lightly.”
“To the Soldiers, Civilians and tenants of Rock Island Arsenal and the surrounding communities, I look forward to building upon [Mitchell’s] herculean efforts the past two years and forging an even stronger relationship between the island partners, community leaders and showcasing our Army story,” Parker said. “This Arsenal represents the best of America, the best of our Army, and together we will continue to build upon this already proud history.”
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