Camp Humphreys welcomes new commander

By Cpl. Han, Jae-ho, USAG-Humphreys, PAOJuly 11, 2012

Eighth U.S. Army Band
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Change of Command
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CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- Soldiers, civilians and Family members welcomed the United States Army Garrison Humphreys' new commander, Col. Darin S. Conkright, during a ceremony, here, July 11.

Conkright replaces Col. Joseph P. Moore, who is retiring from the United States Army after 27 years of distinguished service.

Before the change of command, in a separate ceremony, Moore was presented with the Legion of Merit by Debra D. Zedalis, the Pacific Region director of Installation Management Command. His wife, Molly, received three awards: the 8th United States Army Helping Hands Award; the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award; and the Commander's Award for Public Service.

During the ceremony, Moore expressed his appreciation to his family, fellow Soldiers, the community, Korean guests and the United States Army.

"To our guests from nearby towns, our Korean military colleagues, and our Korean employees, I extend special thanks for the friendship and hospitality you have extended to me over the past four years," he said. "I leave my command and my Army career with a deep gratitude for the opportunities they have provided."

Zedalis congratulated Moore on his success as the garrison commander.

"Under his leadership, Humphreys has transformed from an installation populated primarily by single and unaccompanied Soldiers, on one-year assignments, to an installation where many more military Families live for two and three-year tours," Zedalis said. "He also has led the single largest construction program in the Department of Defense, and the garrison's support of the 8th United States Army and all tenant units has been nothing short of top notch."

Zedalis also extended a welcome to the incoming commander and his Family.

"You are inheriting a great garrison team that will support you one hundred percent," she said. "I know you will find your new assignment both professionally rewarding and personally enriching."

Conkright expressed his enthusiasm as a new commander.

"I look forward to working with each and every one of you to ensure Camp Humphreys continues to be a great place to live, work and serve," he said.

Conkright joined the Army in 1989, and has had a number of duty assignments at Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Washington DC, and in Europe. At Fort Campbell, he commanded ODA 522 and served as the Battalion Assistant S-3. In Washington DC, he served as an assignments officer in the US Army PERSCOM's Special Management Division. His most recent assignment was the Chief of Staff for the NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ) in Mons, Belgium.

He received a Reserve Officers' Training Corps commission and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Kentucky. His advanced education includes a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Healthcare Management. Conkright is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and his awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. His badges include the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, and the Master Parachutist Badge.

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