Photo By Pfc. Austin Duplessie | Col. Kevin D. Potts, Fort Indiantown Gap's training center commander, is set to retire...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA. - After 39 years of dedicated military service, Col. Kevin Potts is preparing to retire.
Potts, who currently serves as Fort Indiantown Gap's garrison, commander, is closing the chapter on a career defined by leadership, innovation and a legacy of commitment and dedication to Soldiers, their families and the Pennsylvania National Guard.
For nearly four decades, Potts has embodied the Army values, after enlisting in the active-duty Army in 1987. He transferred to the National Guard in 1994 and climbed the ranks, eventually becoming commander of one of the nation's premier National Guard training installations.
Potts' military service from a private to colonel is a testament to perseverance, professional development and resilient leadership.
“I just wanted to be in the service," Potts said. "It was all I ever wanted to do as a kid. I would have never thought at this point that I would have a college degree, or commissioning, or even serving another 35 years after Active duty. So, its been mind blowing when you look back on it."
During his current position as garrison commander, Fort Indiantown Gap continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the busiest and most capable National Guard training centers in the United States. Under his leadership, the installation experienced significant infrastructure improvements, modernization of training facilities, and the continued expansion to meet the evolving demands of today's operational training forces.
Potts' leadership skills were shown beyond buildings, ranges, and readiness. He understood that a successful installation is built on relationships. This is with military units, surrounding communities, and local organizations.
Whether recognizing the dedicated civilian workforce, Soldiers, installation partners, or his own family, he has remained grounded in gratitude and the importance of taking care of himself first, so you can help others. Throughout his career, he has often emphasized that success is never achieved alone and that it is the person you become outside of the uniform and the community that you build around you that makes every accomplishment possible.
“It is important to find something that takes you outside the Army uniform and can bring spark back into life. Find a hobby, or get into exercising.” Potts said. “Also build a strong support system. All of this will end, and if you don’t take care of your family now, the family won’t be there when this ends.”
Throughout deployments, operational assignments, training weekends, and nearly four decades of service, one constant thing remained: a commitment to taking care of people. Whether supporting training readiness, improving facilities, or ensuring Soldiers had the resources needed to succeed, Potts consistently placed the mission first, no matter the challenges or setbacks.
“You have to be really resilient," Potts said. "Do not give up so quickly, and try to find the joy in it. If you let the Army grind you down, it will. It will take everything you have. Just remember to make it fun, especially for yourself."
Although retirement marks the end of his military career, it does not mark the end of his service. Potts will continue supporting members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and their families in a civilian role within the Yellow Ribbon Program, further demonstrating his lifelong dedication to serving those who serve.
“I like to see the Soldiers get the benefits they deserve, so moving into the Yellow Ribbon coordinator role in J9 is a great opportunity for me," Potts said. "I am still going to give back and use the experience I’ve gained over 39 years to help soldiers. It’s a win-win.”
Potts' career serves as a reminder that leadership is measured not simply by rank or position, but by the lasting impact made on people, organizations, and the next generation of leaders.
“Leave the job better than you found it," Potts said. “I just want to see it flourish, and I hope that all the good work that I've overseen over four years just continues on.”
| Date Taken: | 08.11.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.14.2026 08:38 |
| Story ID: | 572139 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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