Camp Shelby Change of Command

Photo By 1st Lt. Desmond Jones | Col. William "Lee" Henry,incoming commander of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, holds the unit colors during a change of command ceremony held in Dolton Hall at CSJFTC, Mississippi, Dec. 1, 2022. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Desmond Jones)  

CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI, UNITED STATES

12.01.2022

Story by 2nd Lt. Desmond Jones 

Joint Force Headquarters - Mississippi National Guard

Col. William "Lee" Henry assumed authority as the new post commander of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center Dec. 1, 2022, during a change of command ceremony in Dalton Hall. Henry previously served as the J3, Director of Military Support for the Mississippi National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Jackson. As the former Director of Military Support, Henry brings his expertise and knowledge of contingency planning to state and federal operations.
"It’s very important that the person who takes the mantle of this great installation is prepared and has the knowledge to know how to manage this type of installation," said Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi.
The historical installation has seen many great leaders who have fully managed it. It takes a unique kind of leader to be able to command and control the installation, with it being a joint environment for all sectors of the Department of Defense.
"We have a great leader that we’re about to honor, and you’re going to do a great job with Camp Shelby, Mississippi,” said Boyles. “You know this place well; you’re from here, and I know that you’re going to do a great job as we tackle the challenges of what the next mobilization platform looks like as we build our training with a vigorous reserve footprint at Camp Shelby.”
Henry not only brings his military experience to his newly appointed position, but he also brings relationships from the University of Southern Mississippi, and Forrest and Lamar counties that he has established over the years. Camp Shelby’s mission statement is "To be the premier integrated warfighting and force generation installation while serving as the world-class center of excellence for installation management, customer service, and community partnering." So, as a commander, having and establishing good networking relationships, particularly at Camp Shelby, brings a huge amount of assets and resources to the Mississippi National Guard.
"It's been an honor to serve as the 36th commander alongside an outstanding team of service members and civilian staff," said Col. Rick Weaver, the outgoing post commander. Weaver passed the torch to Henry as he assumed the duties as the Construction and Facilities Management Officer for the Mississippi National Guard. His leadership and service to the soldiers and civilians of Camp Shelby will truly be missed.
Camp Shelby is one of the largest state-owned National Guard training sites in the nation and a force multiplier statewide and federally with its joint training capabilities. The motto, "Soldiers First!" continues to forge ahead, and the new commander aims to keep the installation a premier joint forces training center welcoming military forces and federal agencies from across the state and nation.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2022
• Date Posted: 04.05.2023 10:56
• Story ID: 441987
• Location: CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI, US