JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (June 13, 2025) -- In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Lt. Col. Erica Chin officially relinquished command of the Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Belvoir Contracting Office to Lt. Col. Jacob Bagwell May 20 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The event was presided over by Col. Randy Garcia, director of the Field Directorate Office at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, celebrated the leadership transition and honored the contributions of both outgoing and incoming commanders.
The ceremony began with a welcoming distinguished guests, families, friends, and mission partners. The official party, consisting of Garcia, Chin, and Bagwell, entered the venue to ceremonial music, followed by an invocation delivered by Chaplain Lt. Col. Colt Randles. The National Anthem played, setting a solemn tone for the proceedings.
As part of the ceremony, Barbara Chin, mother of Lt. Col. Chin, was presented with a bouquet of red roses, symbolizing loyalty and affection. Similarly, Charlotte Bagwell, spouse of Lt. Col. Bagwell, received a bouquet of yellow roses, signifying a warm welcome and new beginnings. These gestures underscored the importance of family support in military leadership.
The centerpiece of the event was the symbolic passing of the unit colors, a tradition that represents the transfer of authority and responsibility. Timothy Powers, the custodian of the colors and primary advisor to the commander, initiated the process. Chin passed the colors to Garcia, signifying her relinquishment of command after 36 months of dedicated service. Garcia then passed the colors to Bagwell, officially charging him with the responsibility of leading MICC-Fort Belvoir.
In her farewell remarks, Chin reflected on her tenure as commander, highlighting the scope and impact of MICC-Fort Belvoir’s work.
“Serving as the director of MICC-Fort Belvoir has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career,” Chin said. “It was both a tremendous responsibility and a privilege to lead a team that delivered strategic acquisition support across the National Capital Region. From the Army Birthday Parade, the NATO Summit, and ceremonial support for The Old Guard, to enabling day-to-day mission success at Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Fort Meade, Fort Detrick, and beyond, our work touched every corner of the region. These efforts reflect the very best of what we stand for. As I transition from active duty, I’m incredibly proud of the partnerships we strengthened, the professionals I served alongside, and the legacy of mission-ready acquisition excellence we leave behind.”
Her words resonated with the audience, underscoring the significance of MICC-Fort Belvoir’s contributions to the Army and the National Capital Region. Applause followed as Chin took her seat, marking the end of her distinguished tenure.
Taking the podium as the new commander, Bagwell expressed his enthusiasm for the role and his vision for the future of MICC-Fort Belvoir.
“Acquisitions play a vital role—supporting our mission partners and serving our country,” Bagwell said. “I am honored to be part of the MICC-Fort Belvoir team. Working with MICC-Fort Belvoir as the contracting officer at Arlington National Cemetery was a privilege, and I am proud to now lead this premier organization in support of the National Capital Region. As we move forward with Transformation in Contact, we aim to enhance efficiency and effectiveness by leveraging technology, training, and streamlined processes.”
Bagwell’s remarks highlighted his commitment to innovation and operational excellence, setting a forward-looking tone for his leadership. His words were met with applause, signaling the audience’s confidence in his ability to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Garcia praised Chin for her exemplary leadership and contributions to the organization, highlighting her commitment to excellence during her tenure. He also welcomed Bagwell, expressing confidence in his ability to build upon the strong foundation established by his predecessor.
The ceremony concluded with applause and well-wishes for both commanders, marking the beginning of a new era for MICC-Fort Belvoir under Bagwell's leadership.
About the MICC
Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the Mission and Installation Contracting Command consists of about 1,500 military and civilian members who are responsible for contracting goods and services in support of Soldiers as well as readying trained contracting units for the operating force and contingency environment when called upon. As part of its mission, MICC contracts are vital in feeding more than 200,000 Soldiers every day, providing many daily base operations support services at installations, facilitating training in the preparation of more than 100,000 conventional force members annually, training more than 500,000 students each year, and maintaining more than 14.4 million acres of land and 170,000 structures.
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