Photo By Maj. Shamika Hill | Col. John Simma Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando Santiago were joined by their wives,...... read more read more
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FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Col. Thomas J. Vaccaro expressed his gratitude to everyone as he relinquished command of the 165th Quartermaster Group to Col. John Simma Jr. March 17.
The change of command took place at the Col. David M. Scales U.S. Army Reserve Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., in front of Maj. Gen. Peter S. Lennon, 377th Theater Sustainment Command, commanding general, soldiers, family and friends.
“Every success that occurred in the 165th QM (Group) was due to everyone standing right here and for that, thank you,” said Vaccaro, the outgoing commander. “The time that I have been here has been outstanding because of everyone here.”
Vaccaro thanked Lennon personally for his leadership, mentorship and friendship. He also congratulated Simma on his recent promotion, and thanked him for taking the command.
The host, Col. Michael Dillard, 310th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), commanding general, acknowledged Vaccaro had been a great asset to the command. He wished him the best and noted Vaccaro will exceed any mission requirements that are placed in front of him.
“John (Simma), it is now your time to lead and take this team to another level,” said Dillard. “You are the chosen one for this position … leaning forward toward excellence in mission accomplishment and taking care of soldiers.”
Simma told his troops he looks forward to the challenges ahead of them.
“We have challenges. We are going to meet those challenges head on and accomplish the mission,” Simma said.
Simma’s goals are for all of his units to be combat ready, including being physically, mentally, and medically fit.
He expressed he believed in be, know, do type leadership, Army values and soldier’s creed.
Prior to the ceremony, Simma told the troops, “My standards are simple, Army standards.”
Simma thanked Lennon for the opportunity to command, and his wife, family and friends for their continued support.
The ceremony concluded with a processional line, lots of congratulations and delicious cake.
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2013 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 103886 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 150 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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