JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. – Leadership from the U.S. Army Installation Management Command visited Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 22 to assess installation readiness, review critical infrastructure projects, and discuss ongoing quality-of-life improvements for service members and their families.
Lt. Gen. James M. Smith, IMCOM Commanding General, and Command Sgt. Maj. Corey J. Perry, IMCOM Command Sergeant Major, were joined by leadership from the Military District of Washington and the JBM-HH command team for a comprehensive overview of the installation’s mission in the National Capital Region. Representatives from United States Army Corps of Engineers-Baltimore and 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) were also in attendance.
Smith opened the visit by personally recognizing the "behind-the-scenes" professionals who drive the garrison’s success. He presented IMCOM Command Coins to five JBM-HH staff members in recognition of their exceptional hard work and dedication to the mission.
He noted that the efforts of these individuals, spanning the Directorates of Public Works, Human Resources, and Resource Management, as well as JBM-HH Police, are directly responsible for the installation's ability to overcome logistical hurdles and maintain the high standards expected of the Joint Base.
“I want to look everyone of you in the eyes and say thank you,” Smith said. “Thank you for what you do for this Army every single day.”
“I am especially proud to see five of our dedicated garrison professionals recognized today,” added Col. Keith P. Sandoval, JBM-HH Commander. “Their tireless work behind the scenes is what makes this installation a premier assignment, and having their excellence acknowledged by Lt. Gen. Smith is a testament to the 'People First' culture we cultivate here every day."
The official visit started with a command overview and briefing on current hot topics, including security requirements across JBM-HH and Fort McNair, as well as logistical and funding requirements necessary to support the base’s premier units including the U.S. Marines of Henderson Hall and The Old Guard.
Discussions centered on the unique challenges of operating an installation that borders Arlington County, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Pentagon, and houses the military’s most senior leaders. The leaders collaborated on strategies to streamline facility maintenance, enhance installation security protocols, and ensure garrison services continue to meet the high visibility demands of the National Capital Region.
A focal point of the visit was a walking tour of the Joint Base. The IMCOM leadership first visited the interim caisson stables, viewing firsthand the temporary measures implemented to ensure the health, safety, and operational readiness of the military working horses. Smith had the opportunity to talk with Caisson leadership and Soldiers about the facility and their mission to provide horse-drawn caisson support for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.
Next, the team walked through The Old Guard footprint, including barracks and headquarters buildings. Smith and Perry heard about ongoing renovation schedules, HVAC modernization efforts, and the importance of rapid work-order resolutions to ensure unaccompanied personnel have safe, modern, and comfortable living quarters.
Following the barracks, IMCOM leadership viewed the ongoing construction in the main caisson area and received a briefing from USACE-Baltimore and the Caisson Detachment on the current efforts.
The official tour also included a visit to historic Patton Hall. As a central hub for community events, professional development, and military heritage in the National Capital Region, the leaders discussed future capital investment plans to expand its capabilities as a strategic communications hub for the entire Military District of Washington.
The final stop of the tour was to the historic General and Flag Officer Quarters. JBM-HH manages some of the military's most historic residential properties, which present unique maintenance challenges. The walking tour highlighted the delicate balance required to preserve the historic integrity and heritage of these legacy homes while simultaneously upgrading their internal systems to meet modern safety and environmental standards.
The visit concluded with a clear message of support from the IMCOM and MDW leadership teams. Smith reinforced that JBM-HH’s infrastructure and personnel are vital components of MDW’s mission and overall Army readiness.
"Hosting the IMCOM and MDW command teams today provided a critical opportunity to showcase the unique mission and complex infrastructure requirements of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall,” Sandoval said. “Having Lt. Gen. Smith and Command Sgt. Maj. Perry walk around the Joint Base reinforces the Army’s commitment to our service member's quality of life and our historic mission.”
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