FORT JACKSON, SC -- Col. James Love assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison - Fort Jackson from Col. Lillian Dixon Friday during a change of command ceremony in front of Post Headquarters.
Love comes to Fort Jackson from the U.S. Army War College where he recently earned a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies.
Dixon heads to Iraq, where she will serve as the senior adviser for human resources to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
"I am incredibly grateful and humbled for this opportunity," Love said, as he promised to build upon Dixon's successes and those of previous garrison commanders.
"I think our mission here within the garrison is fairly simple," he said. "Support the mission and take care of the great Soldiers, civilians and families who call Fort Jackson home. Toward that end, I remain fully committed to ensuring that all of us are successful."
From 2005 to 2006, Love commanded the 1st Squadron, 10th U.S. Cavalry as they served a combat tour in Iraq. In 2007, he began his most recent assignment as the J5 for Joint Interagency Task Force-South in Key West, Fla. Throughout his 23-year Army career, Love has also served stateside assignments in California and New York, as well as overseas in countries such as Germany and Yugoslavia.
"His extensive experience and military education offer impeccable credentials for garrison command," said reviewing officer, Davis Tindoll Jr., director of IMCOM -Southeast.
"He is certainly ready for this challenging and demanding duty," said Maj. Gen. James Milano, Fort Jackson commanding general. "We offer Col. Love and his family our most sincere welcome."
"Fort Jackson is lucky to get Col. Love as its new garrison commander," said Dixon, who joked that Love had "passed the interview" for the job.
Love, in turn, thanked Dixon for helping him make a smooth transition into command, and for what he considered the "real scepter of power" - her blackberry.
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