FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of Installation Management Command, paid Fort Campbell Soldiers and Families a visit Thursday, along with his wife Sarah.
Lynch, who once commanded III Corps and the 3rd Infantry Division, made his way to Fort Campbell for the first time as IMCOM commander and is charged with fulfilling the Army Family Covenant, he said.
"The Secretary of the Army created the [Army Community Covenant] in 2008 to build mutual relationships and strengthen bonds between Soldiers, Families and American communities," said Lynch. "It fosters and sustains effective state and community partnerships with the Army to improve the quality of life for Soldiers and their Families.
On the ground, the ACC accomplishes two things. First, it recognizes the selfless service of community volunteers, highlighting their great personal contributions. It also shows Soldiers the compassion and support of the American public."
While speaking to a group of new Fort Campbell Soldiers, Lynch extended his appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
"You made a conscience choice to make history," said Lynch. "You can either read history or you can make history and we all collectively decided to make history."
Lynch reinforced the importance of every Soldier to the overall mission by calling on 18 year old Pfc. Branden Nash to swap ranks.
"What's the difference between you and I'" asked Lynch. "Thirty six years of education and experience is the only reason that I'm a Lieutenant General and you're not," he said.
"As a matter of fact you're probably more important to the Army than I am," he said as he affixed his three stars on the young Soldier's chest. "The point is that he is as important to our Army as I am."
The new IMCOM commander also gave thanks to Fort Campbell family members during a chat with several Screaming Eagle spouses. He stressed the importance of teamwork between spouses and that the role of military spouses is critical to a Soldier's success.
"I give all glory to God and all thanks to my Family for all the good things that come my way, and I'll tell you Sarah and I have been married 27 years and on numerous occasions she's kept me from doing something stupid," he said laughing. "She's the only reason I continue to get promoted!"
Lynch's reason for his visit to Fort Campbell, one of 163 Army installations he is responsible for, is simple.
"All I want to do is tell you thank you," he said. "We are here today to just see what we can do to help the Families," he said. "It's all about the Families. The Army is not going to break because of the Soldiers, but the Army may break because of the stresses on the Families. Without you we are nothing," he said.
The Lynch command team took command of IMCOM in November 2009 and is responsible for providing the Army the installation capabilities and services to support expeditionary operations in a time of persistent conflict, and to provide a quality of life for Soldiers and Families commensurate with their service.
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