FMWRC farewells Macdonald, hails new commander

Maj. Gen. John A. Macdonald relinquished command of the U.S. Army Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command to Col. Brick T. Miller at an award and change- of-command ceremony Friday in Wallace Theatre.

Macdonald was deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command and commander of the FMWRC. He departs FMWRC and IMCOM for an assignment in Afghanistan.

Distinguished guests included Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, assistant chief of staff for installation management and commanding general, IMCOM; and Macdonald's wife, Brig. Gen. Anne F. Macdonald, chief of staff, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

During the awards presentation Macdonald received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Order of the White Plume and the Stalwart Award.

The DSM is awarded to any person who, while serving with the Army, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a
duty of great responsibility.

"The Order of the White Plume was established in 1982 by the Adjutant General of the Army to recognize outstanding service and contribution to MWR and family programs," said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Madison. "It is the Army's highest medal for achievement in support of Army MWR. Winners of the White Plume represent true service to the Soldier, the Army and the nation."

The IMCOM Stalwart Award is presented to Soldiers or civilians who stand out as model leaders and exemplify the spirit of IMCOM. Criteria for being selected for the award include representing high standards of performance, promoting the IMCOM mission and vision, and exemplary work performance.

The awards portion of the program was followed by the invocation and change of command. Command Sgt. Maj. John Gaines passed the flag to Macdonald who handed the flag to Wilson who then passed the flag to Miller.

Miller previously commanded the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor and Task Force Thunder, a 1,200-Soldier, combined arms task force deployed to Kuwait for Operation Desert Spring. After relinquishing command, he served as the G3 of 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and Fort Riley, Kan.

Miller deployed to Kuwait in July 2004 and assumed command of Area Support Group-Kuwait. After relinquishing command in July 2006, he was assigned to the DCofS, G8 as the chief, Dominant Maneuver Division. Miller is married and has two sons who serve in the Army.

During his remarks, Wilson said, "Everyone who knows Col. Miller, knows he is passionate about what he does. He is good at what he does, and will be a superb commander."

Speaking about Macdonald, Wilson said, "you can see he's got a very impressive career, he's brought a lot to the table when he came to IMCOM and he is taking a lot to the table when he goes to Afghanistan.

"John is passionate about his work," Wilson continued. "I can't tell you the amount of briefings we have been to where John would lean over to me and say, 'Sir, isn't this exciting?' That's John Macdonald. He is enthused about what he does he is excited about what he does and he spreads that enthusiasm everywhere, it's infectious."

Macdonald addressed the audience thanking them for their time, and had a few words to say about the command.

"As General Wilson said, this is a two-hatted job, so it has taken two of us," said Macdonald. The crowd laughed and applauded as a cardboard replica of Macdonald was brought to the stage. "The quieter, thinner Gen. Macdonald has attended many things that I couldn't make it to, and I will speak for him today."
Macdonald then put on a hat with IMCOM engraved on one side, and FMWRC engraved on the reverse side.

"It's been an honor to command FMWRC," said Macdonald. "We have done some amazing things."

John Nerger executive director, IMCOM, described Macdonald as an exceptional leader.

"Serving as both deputy commanding general of IMCOM and commanding general of FMWRC means the lights stayed lit many nights. Wearing two hats was a daunting task, but, he rose to the occasion. Because he successfully balanced both jobs, he is uniquely qualified to go to Afghanistan and apply his knowledge and experience to lead and support Soldiers under combat conditions. They will get no better nor harder working leader," Nerger said.

Macdonald and his wife will serve in Afghanistan together.

"I promised Anne about three months ago we would do something really exciting for our anniversary this June, and, yes, we are," Macdonald said.
"As we head off to combat together, the term we use in the Army that deems respect and admiration takes on a whole new meaning: you will truly be my battle
buddy. Thank you very much," he said.

"I depart leaving this organization in great hands. A learning organization with a terrific reputation that gets better all the time, that has created hope, grown incredible leaders, like the region directors, like the two taking my place today who were both garrison commanders,"Macdonald said. "We are growing our own, they know the technical aspects, they are architects and visionaries."

Miller concluded the ceremony by saying, "Secretary Geren and Lt. Gen. Wilson, thank you for your faith and trust that you have for the entire FMWRC home team. The home team that cares for our Army's most precious resources, our Soldiers and their families. Thank you very much."