Photo By Sgt. Scott Akanewich | U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, left, the chief of the Army Reserve and commanding...... read more read more
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LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – A sun-splashed Southern California morning greeted visitors and distinguished guests as they arrived at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos Feb. 9 for the 79th Sustainment Support Command Change of Command ceremony.
Newly-promoted Maj. Gen. Megan P. Tatu took the command’s colors from outgoing commanding general Maj. Gen. William D. Frink in front of the 79th SSC’s brand-new headquarters building during a ceremony filled with Army tradition. Colorful unit guidons fluttered in the wind and a tribute gun battery fired volleys into the air.
On hand for the event was Commanding General of the Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Jeffrey W. Talley, as well as general officers from the 79th SSC’s subordinate commands and local dignitaries.
Tatu began her remarks by recognizing her husband Mike and son Shane, who were in the audience, as well as everyone who had helped her arrive at this point in her career.
“I’m proud to have my family here to enjoy this with me,” said Tatu, who previously served as the Commander, Pacific Training Division, 75th Training Command. “I’d also like to thank Command Sgt. Maj. Roberson and all those who have provided mentorship, which has been so valuable. I’ve also been inspired by the dedication of soldiers over the years.”
Fittingly, it was at JFTB Los Alamitos where Tatu, a native of nearby Los Angeles, began her Reserve career in 1987.
Frink, the outgoing commander, was instrumental in building the 79th SSC from the ground up when the organization was established in 2009.
“It’s been an honor to command troops during my time here,” said Frink, whose Army career spans 35 years. “This command was formed out of dust starting with a few eager souls who wanted to build something. What we lacked in capabilities at the time, we made up for with determination. What you see today is the tangible result of their efforts.”
Frink quoted from the Bible to illustrate the trials and tribulations that came with starting up a two-star command from scratch.
“One of my favorite passages from Scripture is Isaiah 40:31,” he said. “It reads ‘But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise like wings on eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.’ Each of you should be very proud of what you have accomplished.”
Talley added his comments regarding the two commanders.
“Our Army Reserve is one whose strength is not built on technology, but on people of character who blend civilian skills with military leadership – Maj. Gen. Frink has been a shining example of this,” said Talley. “As for Maj. Gen. Tatu, she is a great replacement and is the right person to take this command to the next level.”
Tatu, who assumes command of more than 20,000 soldiers and civilians assigned across 19 states, continued with the theme of family during her speech.
“My husband and three sons have provided me with one thing no medal or promotion could do,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without their constant love and support, which has been a cherished memory and means the world to me today – they never questioned, but always encouraged. Also, my parents’ values – through my faith, I know they are here today.”
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2013 13:49 |
| Story ID: | 101798 |
| Location: | LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 753 |
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