Photo By Patricia Dubiel | During a garrison change of command ceremony held at Warrior Field June 13, outgoing...... read more read more
FORT POLK, La. — One chapter in the history of Fort Polk came to its inevitable end at Warrior Field June 14 as Col. Jarrett A. Thomas II relinquished his command of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Polk to Col. Ryan K. Roseberry, thereby launching the next phase in the legacy of the Home of Heroes.
Brenda Lee McCullough, director, Installation Management Command-Readiness, served as the officiating party for the change of command ceremony.
She said the Army no longer views installations solely as a home for its Soldiers, but as strategic readiness platforms, required to expedite the unit and warfighter momentum to rapidly deploy while facing continued fiscal challenges.
“This makes commanding a garrison in today’s Army tough business,” she said.
“General officers commonly refer to garrison command as the most difficult 06 level command in the Army. But it is not without its personal benefits and learning opportunities. Colonel Thomas told me that he has developed several new hobbies during his command: First, he became a fire chief overtime inspector; second, a real estate developer to acquire a $55 million capital investment in the Fort Polk housing portfolio; and lastly, a water treatment specialist obtaining a green sand filtration system for Fort Polk.”
McCullough said Thomas’ leadership and strategic vision drove his ability to blanket more than 32,000 Soldiers, civilians, Family members and retirees with genuine care and compassion.
“(Thomas) also meticulously managed a $130 million budget while being the primary caretaker for over 240,000 acres of training and cantonment lands. His work on the Intergovernmental Service Agreements enabled Fort Polk to receive the Army Community Partnership Award,” said McCullough.
“Throughout it all, Colonel Thomas was the most patient and professional leader, who handled considerable pressure with a level of grace that would make any senior leader proud — especially me.”
McCullough said Roseberry is, like Thomas, a proven leader and well suited to lead the Fort Polk team.
“I am fully confident that (Roseberry) will invest the same professionalism, passion, pride and expertise into the garrison that (Thomas) did every day.”
Thomas said he chose to come to Fort Polk because he knew of the world class training that is provided at Fort Polk, and that the garrison here helped enable that training.
“However, I am leaving with a greater appreciation for what it takes to handle that critical mission. It takes the entire community. I have never seen the kind of community support like I have seen here,” he said.
“Our success is your (the community’s) success, and we are your Army.”
Thomas said his team of Soldiers, civilians and contractors helped him take care of the Soldiers and Families at Fort Polk. He also had words of praise for his successor.
“The Army could not have selected a better qualified garrison commander for Fort Polk,” he said.
“Fort Polk is in great hands, and I am excited to see what the future holds for (you).”
As a final act, Thomas presented keys to Fort Polk to Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of the JRTC and Fort Polk; Command Sgt. Maj. David Bass, JRTC and Fort Polk command sergeant major; Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Rocco, IMCOM-readiness command sergeant major, and McCullough, because, “... these are the people who provided wise counsel to me over the past two years,” said Thomas.
Roseberry said he was honored to be the new garrison commander because he and his family love the Army and have ties to Fort Polk.
“We owe the Army everything, and Fort Polk is where we want to be as it is somewhat of a homecoming for us.
“As a young Geronimo lieutenant, Fort Polk is where I learned to fight and how to lead, and it is where (my wife and I) began our married life,” he said.
“To lead means to serve, and for the next 24 months, 24-hours a day, my family and I pledge to give 110 percent to ensure Soldiers are ready to fight, knowing that their Families are being cared for. We are excited and humbled to serve.”
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2019 11:46 |
| Story ID: | 327889 |
| Location: | FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 277 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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