Eagle BELVOIR
Partnership enables sealift relief efforts for Puerto Rico, Pages A10
www.belvoireagleonline.com
November 9, 2017
Garrison gets new commander By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer Lt. Col. Chris Tomlinson assumed command of Fort Belvoir Garrison Tuesday, during an assumption of command ceremony at Garrison Headquarters. For months, Tomlinson served as acting garrison commander and as Headquarters Battalion commander, said Davis Tindoll, IMCOM’s Atlantic Region director. “That’s rare and hardly ever occurs,” Tindoll said. Tomlinson spent time as acting commander, but now he is officially the commander, Tindoll said. Tindoll said he’s handed the colors to 17 garrison commanders each year, but they haven’t already been tested in the position of garrison commander. “It was easy for me, when it came to decision time, because we’ve already seen you in action,” Tindoll said. It was a unanimous decision to select Tomlinson for the position of battalion/garrison commander, as well as keep him as garrison commander until the next one is selected, he said. When Tomlinson took over as commander during Col. Angie Holbrook’s absence, he was able to do so and Tomlinson “passed with flying colors.” “You’ve already demonstrated with your performance … and I want you to know personally from me that I’m very proud of all you’ve done, and I expect great things out of you. I expect over these next months, you’re going to make a difference here at Belvoir.” Tomlinson thanked garrison employees for their support while as acting garrison commander and now as the official garrison commander. “To the great Belvoir team: thank you for your dedication, trust, and commitment to this great organization and its important mission; and to your knowledge, experience, and definite patience in teaching me how this organization performs best under all circumstances,” Tomlinson said. “You continue to display consistent dedication, duty and professionalism.” He thanked Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Perry, his new command sergeant major; and
Photos by Paul Lara
Davis Tindoll Jr., IMCOM Director Atlantic Region, right, passes the colors to Garrison commander Lt. Col. Christopher Tomlinson during an assumption of command ceremony Tuesday.
recently retired CSM Billie Jo Boersma, for their support. Tomlinson also thanked Holbrook “for her contributions to this organization, and hopefully, we can carry on her legacy of making Belvoir a better place to work and live.” Fort Belvoir Garrison was mean to succeed, he said. “A collection of talent, experience and positive attitude is waiting to be unleashed across this installation,” Tomlinson said. “And, I have no doubt that, with our collective efforts, we will shape our outcomes, achieve great results, and remember that any organization only moves at the speed of trust. And, with that trust, we will do exceptional things. We will create strong, steady, and consistent leadership. But I didn’t say slow – our given duty binds us to move with a sense of urgency to our mission, regardless of our role, because we are all critical.”
Lt. Col. Christopher Tomlinson, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, addresses the room at his Assumption of Command ceremony Tuesday in the Garrison Conference Room.
Save the dates! All these events are open to everyone. Veterans observance today 10:30 a.m. Thurman Auditorium Retired Maj. Gen. Carl H. McNair Jr. Guest speaker
Basketball tournament 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday Graves Fitness Center and Wells Field House 703-806-5589
American Indian Heritage observance
Vendors needed for Holiday Expo
11:30 a.m. Wednesday Community Center Anthonette Alexander, aka Noyaka Guest speaker
Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Community Center terra.j.proctor.naf@mail.mil