FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Victory teammates, families and friends -- I want to thank everyone for the warm reception I have received from all of you since I took command. It's a tremendous honor to be your 45th commanding general.
The change of command ceremony was absolutely first class. I appreciate every unit's participation and all those who attended from both on and off post. In a very short amount of time, I have learned first hand why so many people told me I'd love Fort Jackson and the military-friendly Columbia community. No doubt, this is the most hospitable, service-oriented post and most military-friendly community I've ever seen.
Since I took command April 10, I've had the opportunity to welcome area World War II veterans home from their visit to the WWII Memorial in Washington, bid farewell to deploying Navy Sailors from Task Force Marshall, meet with community leaders, recognize selfless volunteers, receive the South Carolina State Smart Recycling Award, officiate the post retirement ceremony, participate in South Carolina Assembly Honors their Fallen for the Year, host community guests at the Night Infiltration Course, view several phases of Basic Combat Training, and attend Family Day and graduation ceremonies. Oh, and I also took my son fishing (don't ask how big the fish was or who caught the most -- you had to be there). It's been a whirlwind tour already and I'm only two weeks into it. There's so much going on and so much to do. You just have to love this place! Visit my Facebook page to see photographs of these activities.
As I've been meeting with commanders and post and community leaders, and making my way around to all the various facets of the training center, garrison and our Partners in Excellence, I've shared my priorities, vision and leadership and command philosophy.
I want to ensure everyone associated with this great place knows where we're going and why. At the centerpiece of my priorities are people -- the Soldiers, Army civilians, families, veterans and community members who make up Team Jackson. The strength of Fort Jackson is the people who make this installation and this community great and enable us to accomplish our mission.
My focus on people revolves around four priorities:
* Quality of Life -- where we work, live, learn, play.
* Training/readiness -- support the war; civilian, officer and enlisted training.
* Leader development -- continuing to improve our leadership skills.
* Responsible stewardship -- taking care of our precious resources and taxpayers' money.
I solicit everyone's help to ensure these priorities are at the forefront of everything we do. We cannot pay "lip service" to them -- we have to do them. Your commitment will enable the Fort Jackson vision to be:
* The preeminent training center in TRADOC.
* The best duty station, post, community and unit in which its members have ever served.
* An environment in which everyone can take initiative, learn, grow, make honest mistakes, have fun and accomplish the mission.
* An Army Community of Excellence Winner (2014).
It's a great feeling to be surrounded by so many people who care. It's clear to me we have the right resources, talent and unlimited potential to achieve our vision. I look forward to getting out and meeting the rest of our great team here. Thanks for what you do every day for our Soldiers, families, the Army and the nation. In next week's Leader, I will share more of my leadership/command philosophy.
Victory Starts Here!
Social Sharing