FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Soldiers assigned to the Northern Warfare Training Center welcomed their new commander, Maj. William Prayner, in a June 27 change of command ceremony on Fort Wainwright.
U. S. Army Alaska commander, Maj. Gen. Michael X. Garrett thanked outgoing commander Maj. Gary McDonald for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments at the NWTC, the Army's premiere cold weather and mountaineering school.
“The school can now grant soldiers who attend the Basic Mountaineering Course the Military Mountaineering skill identifier,” Garrett said. “This is a seminal accomplishment and was driven by Maj. McDonald’s unceasing determination to make the Northern Warfare Training Center forces more valid and more professional.”
“This outfit is going to be the centerpiece for my vision for the United States Army Alaska,” Garrett said.
McDonald stood before his cadre members one last time to thank them for their hard work and determination and tried to impart some of the feeling he had for the school.
“The buildings may have changed, the name has even changed several times, but the one thing that remains unchanged, is the impression the school leaves on the cadre members. Several NWTC alumni make the annual trip to Fairbanks to attend the unit’s birthday party, or travel down to Black Rapids when asked to come speak at a graduation,” McDonald said. “I too, will leave with that impression on my heart.”
Addressing his family, McDonald said, “Thank you for letting me drag you to Fairbanks Alaska, so once again, I can pursue my dream,” before hanging over the floor to the NWTC’s new commander.
Prayner thanked all for their support, especially the McDonald family and the USARAK commanding general for the opportunity to command the NWTC.
“We will lead it, grow it, expand it and continue to provide premiere arctic and mountain training for USARAK and the United States Army,” said Prayner.
Date Taken: | 06.29.2012 |
Date Posted: | 09.10.2012 13:41 |
Story ID: | 94457 |
Location: | FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA, US |
Web Views: | 415 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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