Photo By Martin Chahin | U.S. Army Col. Michael Coleman (center), Army Support Activity commander, stands with...... read more read more
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SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras – Army Support Activity held its annual change of command ceremony where Col. Megan Gumpf relinquished command to Colonel Michael Coleman at Soto Cano Air Base, July 10, 2018.
The ceremony was presided by Mr. Davis Tindoll, Installation Management Command director, who was joined by Joint Task Force-Bravo leadership, as well as military and civilian personnel assigned to Soto Cano Air Base, who witnessed the passing of the colors from Col. Gumpf to Col. Coleman.
The U.S. Army’s Installation Management Command mission is to integrate base operation support to enable Army readiness around the globe. IMCOM is the Army’s home and handles day to day operations of Army installations.
“The centerpiece of IMCOM is our garrisons and our Army Support Activities. Individuals leading those organizations are key to achieving success,” said Tindoll. “I want to thank Col. Megan Gump for her outstanding support of Soto Cano during her tenure here. In addition I am privileged to welcome Col. Michael Coleman.”
Col. Coleman, a New York native, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery in 1995 and completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1999. Following completion of Special Forces training, Col. Coleman was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group where he served in numerous duty positions. During this time, he conducted operational deployments to Haiti, Central and South America, and Iraq.
“It is great to be back on Honduras and specially Soto Cano. I look forward to meeting every one of you during the next year. I look forward to my IMCOM education and working with your staff,” said Coleman during the ceremony.
The change of command ceremony is a traditional event rich in symbolism and heritage. The passing of the garrison colors, which represents the lineage of command and unity of its soldiers and civilians, symbolizes the transfer of authority from the outgoing commander to the new commander.
Col. Gumpf, former ASA commander, provided unwavering support to all units across base, facilitating the JTF-Bravo mission in order to enhance regional security, stability and cooperation, and making Soto Cano a home for the joint unit.
“This has been a phenomenal year and I’m honored to have had this opportunity. I could not have asked for better partners as we navigated the peaks and valleys of the past 12 months,” said Gumpf. “This team of professionals sets the performance bar for others to emulate. It’s been an honor to be a member of this team.”
Soto Cano Air base is a unique installation, housing more than 500 service members from all branches and is also a Honduran military installation; this provides an opportunity for ASA leadership to develop strong ties with Honduran military leadership by sharing space and commitments to shared interests.
“We have faced many challenges together this year and I am very grateful for your support, your friendship and our work relationship,” said Gumpf to Honduran military leadership during her speech.
After Gumpf received the colors from the ASA senior enlisted leader, she then passed the colors to Mr. Tindoll symbolizing the completion of her command.
“Megan has proven herself a gifted leader; where others saw challenges she saw opportunity. Col. Gumpf had a vision of improvement and did not coward or fail those obstacles,” said Tindoll.
With many renovation projects underway, including a new chapel, office and lodging spaces, water systems and the construction of an international airport on base, Col. Coleman has many challenges to accomplish.
“Col. Coleman brings extensive experience to this new position. With a special operations background, he is a subject matter expert in the art and science of leadership. The challenges are many but I’m confident you’ll bring new energy and excellence to this installation,” said Tindoll about the new garrison commander.
After returning the colors to his senior enlisted leader, Col. Coleman made all policies in effect and completed his assumption of command as the new Army Support Activity commander.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2018 18:18 |
| Story ID: | 283898 |
| Location: | COMAYAGUA, HN |
| Web Views: | 200 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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