Fort Belvoir patching ceremony marks new era under Military District of Washington

By Carmen FleischmannApril 7, 2025

Fort Belvoir's command team and Headquarters Battalion stand in formation at Garrison Headquarters during a patching ceremony at Fort Belvoir, April 3. Following an executive order from the Secretary of the Army, Soldiers exchanged their Army...
Fort Belvoir's command team and Headquarters Battalion stand in formation at Garrison Headquarters during a patching ceremony at Fort Belvoir, April 3. Following an executive order from the Secretary of the Army, Soldiers exchanged their Army Material Command patch to Military District of Washington. (Photo Credit: Paul Lara) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia – On Thursday, April 3, U.S Army Garrison Fort Belvoir held a patching ceremony on the steps of its headquarters building, symbolizing a new chapter in its history.

Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, Commanding General, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, and his Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Vern Daly Jr., officially welcome Fort Belvoir's command team...
Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, Commanding General, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, and his Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Vern Daly Jr., officially welcome Fort Belvoir's command team of Col. David Stewart and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hopkins to the MDW family. He presided over a patching ceremony at Fort Belvoir, April 3, at Garrison Headquarters. (Photo Credit: Paul Lara) VIEW ORIGINAL

As the second Installation Management Command installation to transition from the Army Material Command patch to the U.S. Army Military District of Washington patch, this change follows a recent execution order directed by the Secretary of the Army. The realignment is designed to streamline decision-making and empower senior leaders at Army installations.

Major General Trevor Bredenkamp, Commanding General of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and MDW, presided over the ceremony. In his remarks, he emphasized that while the uniform change is symbolic, it serves as a testament to the enduring and steadfast relationship between Fort Belvoir and MDW.

“We look forward to continuously working closely with the incredible men and women of Fort Belvoir Garrison,” said Bredenkamp. “We already have such a great working relationship, and we’re going to continue that - now just bound together with a common shoulder sleeve insignia.”

Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, Commanding General, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, presided over a patching ceremony at Fort Belvoir, April 3, at Garrison Headquarters. Following an executive order...
Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, Commanding General, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, presided over a patching ceremony at Fort Belvoir, April 3, at Garrison Headquarters. Following an executive order from the Secretary of the Army, Soldiers exchanged their Army Material Command patch to MDW, to streamline decision-making. (Photo Credit: Paul Lara) VIEW ORIGINAL

Reflecting on the transition, Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander, Col. David Stewart highlighted the installation’s significance within the NCR.

“A garrison is more than where we work. For some of us it’s where we live, where our families grow, and where we relax and unwind,” said Stewart. “With this command realignment, we now share a common unit identity that will strengthen our ability to deliver the best support to our community – those who, in one way or another, call Fort Belvoir home.”

Garrison Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hopkins places the Military District of Washington patch on Headquarters Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Smith during a patching ceremony at Fort Belvoir, April 3, at...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Garrison Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hopkins places the Military District of Washington patch on Headquarters Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Smith during a patching ceremony at Fort Belvoir, April 3, at Garrison Headquarters. (Photo Credit: Paul Lara) VIEW ORIGINAL
Battalion Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Smith places the new Military District of Washington patch on the shoulder of Sgt. 1st Class Andre Williams, the battalion's operation sergeant during a patching ceremony April 3 at...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Battalion Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Smith places the new Military District of Washington patch on the shoulder of Sgt. 1st Class Andre Williams, the battalion's operation sergeant during a patching ceremony April 3 at Fort Belvoir's Headquarters. (Photo Credit: Paul Lara) VIEW ORIGINAL

As a key strategic sustaining base for the Department of the Army and the Department of Defense, Fort Belvoir is home to more than 130 mission partners. These organizations support a diverse range of missions that contribute to national defense at every level. With this new alignment, Fort Belvoir reinforces its vital role in the NCR while continuing to support the Army’s broader mission.