Outgoing Army Training Support Center Commander Col. John Barry Jr., Combined Arms Center-Training Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Jeremy Wilson, incoming ATSC Commander Col. John Lopes and ATSC Senior Enlisted Advisor Command Sgt. Maj. James Card prepare for the ceremonial passing of the colors during the ATSC change of command July 19, 2024 at Fort Eustis, Va.
Soldiers and civilians from across the organization attended the Army Training Support Center (ATSC) Change of Command, on 19 July 2024, at Fort Eustis, Va.
Combined Arms Center-Training Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Jeremy Wilson presided over the ceremony honoring outgoing ATSC commander Col. John Barry Jr. and incoming commander Col. John Lopes.
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition representing the handover of authorities and responsibilities within a unit or command. The colors flown at every ceremony represent the history, tradition, and accomplishments of a unit throughout its history. The passing of the colors signifies more than a change in power and authority, it signifies a new chapter for the team in its long history of service to the nation and the Soldiers it was sworn to support.
The ceremony began with ceremonial music from the 208th Army Reserve Band, the posting of the colors, the arrival of the official party, and an invocation from Lt. Col. Light Shin, deputy command chaplain, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Once the official party took their seats, Barry’s wife, Susan, and daughter, Sarah, were each presented with red roses, signifying the farewell of a person with love and appreciation for contributions during their time at ATSC. Barry then presented his son, Owen, with the last commanders coin he will give out as the ATSC commander.
Outgoing Army Training Support Center Commander Col. John Barry Jr. presents son Owen with the last commanders coin he will present as the ATSC commander during the ATSC change of command July 19, 2024 at Fort Eustis, Va.
Lopes sat nearby his family during the opening remarks. Lopes’ wife, Xiomara, and daughter Anna received yellow roses, the color of new beginnings, welcoming them to ATSC. Lopes then presented his son, Jefferson, with the first commanders coin he will give out as the new ATSC commander.
New Army Training Support Center Commander Col. John Lopes presents his son Jefferson with the first commanders coin he will give out as the new ATSC commander.
During the ceremony, the colors were passed from the keeper of the colors, ATSC senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. James Card; to Barry; who then passed them to the Wilson. Wilson then passed them to Lopes to symbolize the change in leadership. Card received the colors back from Lopes as his first act of loyalty as the new commander.
During his remarks, Wilson spoke about Barry’s courageous and steadfast leadership during his time at ATSC.
“Colonel Barry’s record of success over the last two years can directly be attributed to his skills as a leader, mentor, problem solver, and trainer, Wilson said. “As the commander of the Army Training Support Center, he ensured ATSC provided exceptional training support products, services, and facilities to Soldiers and civilians worldwide”
During his remarks, Barry shared memories with the team.
“These last two years have been my most rewarding position to date,” Barry said. “Together, we, at ATSC, have made lasting impacts on how the Army trains its Soldiers and formations.”
Barry, who assumed command of ATSC in July of 2022, expressed his appreciation of the Soldiers and civilians who worked alongside him during his time as commander.
“As with any successful organization, it’s the people who make it great and without them I would not have been successful,” Barry said.
Prior to the change of command ceremony, Michael Formica, Executive Deputy to the commanding general, TRADOC, presented Barry the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of his duties while in command.
Barry expressed confidence and appreciation for the incoming commander and his family. Barry will now retire and begin life as a civilian.
Lopes thanked Barry for the seamless transition during his remarks.
“I want to express my deep appreciation for your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to this organization,” Lopes said. “The accomplishments of ATSC are a testament to your extraordinary leadership.”
Lopes said he is honored to be joining the ranks of ATSC and looks forward to working with the team.
New Army Training Support Center Commander Col. John Lopes leads the audience in the singing of "The Army Song" at the end of the ATSC change of command ceremony July 19, 2024 at Fort Eustis, Va.
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