Military Alumni Spotlight(May ’17)
Well FT Lee was the place, and it was just another great day for Hamptonians. Our Alumni ranged from the Class of 1952 to a MSIII Cadet that will graduate in 2018. All of there to express our congratulation to MG(P) Williams. The event was spiritually enriching for me that I can hardly wait until June 16,. at Ft Belvoir when we see MG(P) Williams promoted and assume command of the Defense Logistics Agency. If you need to jump start your Hampton pride come and be baptized with the enthusiastic Alumni that will be cheering MG(P) Williams and Myra on the 16th. If you are not revived, I offer to drop you off at Quantico National Cemetery on my way back to Hampton and bury you. I guarantee you will have a great time meeting other alumni and celebrating the occasion with the Williams. You will walk away being a prouder Alumnus!
The Change of Command Ceremony began with the Sounding of Adjutants Call, which was performed by LTC Carl Faison, Class of 1994, what a great way to get things started.
Myra receives roses from Staff Sergeant Demilo for her untiring service to the Command.
After honors were rendered to MG(P) Williams he was presented a shell from the cannon salute that was rendered.
MG Hurley, GEN Perkins, and MG(P) Williams return to the reviewing stand after reviewing the troops.
MG(P) Williams passes the Unit Colors to GEN Perkins. (I knew the photographer was going to ruin my shot before she walked on the field, next time I am going to request a press pass)
General David Perkins, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, the host for today’s change of command, stated there were three things which separate a good commander from a great commander 1) A commander that can see beyond their own Command 2) A commander who looks to the future 3) A commander who shows passion for developing the next generation of Soldiers. He was speaking about MG(P) Darrell Willliams, Class of 1983, the outgoing Commander for the Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, VA. A great testimony for yet another Great Hampton Leader who continues to let his life do the singing. MG (P) Williams is congratulated by GEN Perkins.
MG(P) Williams addresses the troops and attributed his success to his wife Myra, Class of 1983 and his children Jocelyn and Colin, Command Sergeants Major Nathaniel Bartee and all of the wonderful Soldiers, Department of Army Civilians, and their families of the Combined Arms Support Command. Conscious of the heat and the Soldiers on the field, MG(P) Williams briefly thanked Mayors from the local area, volunteers on their contribution to Combined Arms Support Command.
There were a host of well wishers to congratulate the Williams.
COL(R) Smith (52), Melissa, Cadet Russell (18), Tony Ward (84), LTC Faison (94). LTC(R) Bare(97), and Dr. Ken Lewis (81) take a group shot.
COL(R) Smith (52), MAJ(R) Barkley (75), LTC(R) Vann (77)
I truly wish that I had spent more time with MAJ(R) Barkley(he was a bootstrapper) while at Hampton. He reminded me of other people I knew that slipped off the radar. It was a great conversation even with the sun beaming on top us.
I hope to see you on June 16 at FT Belvoir for a gathering of the Hampton University Family. I would love to take a Hampton University Bus up to this event filled with Hamptonians to announce to the beltway and Howard University that Hampton University is in the HOUSE! (HOOAH)
Stay Connected….Go Pirates!
Claude Vann, III
Class of 1977
