FORT LEE, Va. (Sept. 5, 2012) -- Command of the Quartermaster School and Corps changed hands in a ceremony Aug. 30 at the 262nd QM Battalion Parade Field.
Brig. Gen. Gwen Bingham turned the regimental colors and school guidon over to Col. John "Skip" O'Neil during a ceremony overseen by Maj. Gen. Larry D. Wyche, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general.
A former Fort Lee garrison commander and CASCOM chief of staff, Bingham will be taking command of White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
"We are losing an absolutely outstanding and exceptional commander," said Wyche. "Gwen, we are extremely grateful to have had you. When the challenges demanded nothing less than experience, commitment and a relentless leader, Gwen, you were there.
"You have delivered on everything that was expected of you as a commandant and more," he continued. "We are truly grateful."
Wyche said Bingham fostered teamwork within the organization that will benefit it long after she leaves.
"Today, she leaves behind a legacy of trust and goodwill that has produced noticeable results such as training more than 30,000 logistics warriors annually in 88 programs of instruction," he said. "Gwen, your accomplishments as the 51st Quartermaster General and the first female commandant of the Quartermaster School are truly remarkable. Day-in and day-out, you lived the corps motto of supporting victory, victory starts here."
After thanking all for attending the ceremony, Bingham brought special attention to her QM team.
"I couldn't have done any of this by myself, and this was a team effort," she said. "Our attainment of institutional excellence status speaks volumes of the extraordinary professionals that you are. The operational Army's reliance on us to get the job done and to reach back to us in the schoolhouse is a resounding testament to the role you played to remain relevant and value-added."
After saying farewell to Bingham, Wyche welcomed the 52nd QM General.
"The Army always ensures its formations are commanded by the best they can find and this case is no different," said Wyche. "Skip and Michele make a great command team, and they are more than qualified and capable. I know they will perform in an exceptional manner."
Wyche noted that he has served with O'Neil in the past at the Army Materiel Command and at the Pentagon. That experience gives him confidence that the QM Corps is in great hands.
"Skip understands the importance of support to the war fighter, and he is a proven leader who brings an extraordinary combination of talent and experience to the position," he said. "He knows the value of training and understands leader development, and he will continue to move the Quartermaster Corps forward in the 21st century."
O'Neil thanked Bingham for her command and said he was excited to get started.
"Today, we witnessed a change of command and a passing of colors -- a transfer of responsibility -- but there's no replacing this great Army team," he said. "Count Michelle and me among the many fans of the Bingham Family for all they have done. Michele and I are excited to join the team and are ready to get after it."
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