erald Union H Vol. XXIII, No. 15
Wiesbaden: Our home in Germany
April 28, 2016
Fish takes reins of USAG Wiesbaden
Photo by LaDon Hooser
Installation Management Command – Europe Regional Director Michael Formica (center) passes the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden guidon to incoming Garrison Commander Col. Todd J. Fish (left), representing his taking command of the garrison at a change of command ceremony April 22 at the Wiesbaden Fitness Center on Clay Kaserne. Fish took command following the relinquishment of command by Col. Mary L. Martin (right). By Emily Jennings
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs
The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden community welcomed a new garrison commander during a change of command ceremony April 22 in the USAG Wiesbaden Fitness Center on Clay Kaserne. Col. Todd J. Fish took command of the garrison following the relinquishment of command by outgoing commander Col. Mary L. Martin. Community members, staff, host nation members and about 120 official guests, including nearly 100 official host nation partners, were in attendance. Twenty-five reservists from
Inside Amelia Earhart sweeps Topper Awards
See the full story on page 2.
Landeskommando Hessen participated in the ceremony as well, to honor the partnership between the garrison and its host nation. Installation Management Command – Europe Region Director Michael Formica, thanked Martin for her service and praised her dynamic leadership skills and many accomplishments during her time as garrison commander. While in command, Martin oversaw more than 160 construction projects in support of European Infrastructure Consolidation actions; she established an official partnership between Hessian Forces Command and USAG Wiesbaden and was able to meet a demanding mission during a time of
Garrison recognition ceremony
Multiple award winners recognized, see page 4.
significant manpower and budget reductions, Formica said. As commander, Martin led the way in the garrison earning numerous awards, including the Installation Award of Excellence, the Secretary of the Army Energy and Water Management Award and the Certified Gold Service Award for the Wiesbaden Lodge, he continued. Formica praised Martin’s record of maintaining a strong alliance and forging vital bonds with host nation officials. “While a garrison commander’s job is complex and important anywhere in the world, I would argue that it’s even more complex and more important in Europe, especially now,” Formica said. “This is a time when dramatic events
have made it more significant than ever that we show a strong and dynamic presence.” Martin bid farewell to the community at the event. Her next assignment is as the commandant for the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. “I must say, my most rewarding experience has been meeting so many wonderful people,” she said. Martin expressed how proud she was of garrison community members, as well as the host nation community and leaders, for all they’ve accomplished during her time as commander. See ‘Command’ on page 2
Freedom Run
See photos of the event on page 16.