FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – The U.S. Army Garrison bid farewell to Col. John Ives and welcomed Col. Michael Childs during its change of command ceremony June 21 at Brown Parade Field.
William Kidd, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Training, hosted the ceremony. He remarked how the installation always received the best from Ives and that he invested in people to build a high performing team.
“Johnny, mission complete and well done,” Kidd said. “Your leadership has made all the difference here and will be felt long into the future. We wish you and your family all the best in Washington, D.C.”
Kidd welcomed Childs and his family noting Childs as a “highly experienced intelligence leader” who has served across the world. Kidd provided the incoming garrison commander with three things to remember as he assumes command.
“Installation management is a team sport, you can’t do it alone,” Kidd said. “Wrap this community around yourself, and work with each person here to make this a success.… Invest in the people that serve with you, and you will win every time. Lastly, the garrison has a lot of talented people, but it has only one commander and that would be you.”
Following Kidd’s speech, Ives took to the podium and began by thanking his family and friends in attendance from across the country. He continued by reflecting on the previous two years and how fast the time went while in command.
“That was a quick two years with so much going on,” Ives said. “I’ve never been happier, never been sadder, never been more frustrated or more proud, but I’ve loved it. I praise the Lord everyday for this amazing opportunity, and I prayed every morning for wisdom and courage – wisdom to know what’s right, and the courage to follow it.”
Ives personally thanked David Tiedemann and retired Heidi Malarchik, deputies to the garrison commander; Command Sgts. Maj. Terrina Anderson and Clark Kuhling, U.S. Army Garrison’s senior enlisted NCOs; Joshua Williams and Maj. Joshua Donecker, executive officers; and retired Monica Sierra-Barber and Amy South Worth, garrison administrative officers.
Ives continued by thanking the garrison directors and chiefs for providing their “wisdom and leadership.” He also thanked all the professionals who “keep this small city humming.”
“As you look at the vast formation of people on the parade field this morning,” Ives said tongue in cheek while turning toward a formation of just six Soldiers. “Actually, this mostly empty field is a testament to what we really do for a living. Our people are always executing, always behind the scenes, always working, always setting conditions for tenant unit success, about 600 people in total that you will probably never see.”
Before concluding his speech, Ives provided Childs with some parting words of advice as he takes over the reins of garrison commander.
“You’re taking over a great team with one of the most important jobs, caring for our people and ensuring the success of our tenants’ missions,” Ives said. “I’m excited for you already and a little envious of the adventures you will have. May you both find wisdom and courage and serve this great community with honor, integrity and pride. I have no doubt that the Army did a great job hand selecting you for this opportunity.”
Following Ives’ speech, Childs went to the podium for his first address to the community and shared how Fort Huachuca is a “truly special place.”
“I feel so humble for the opportunity to play a role in this fort’s rich and storied history, a history dating back to 1877 … today I’m proud to walk in the same strategic landscape right here on Arizona’s largest installation,” he said.
Childs continued by telling Ives his leadership and care for the people on the fort and throughout the surrounding communities “is palpable” and thanked Ives for his “warm welcome and friendship.”
“I’m inspired to lead with the same enthusiasm, professionalism and zeal you displayed as the garrison commander,” the incoming commander said. “I intend to put my shoulder in the many things you’ve done and cascade success, when possible, to gain irreversible momentum and follow the example you set.”
Childs concluded his speech by telling the other senior leaders, commanders, Soldiers and civilian teammates in attendance that he is looking forward to serving with them and being apart of the Fort Huachuca story.
“I’ve already met some outstanding professionals all throughout the footprint and the greater community,” Childs said. “Already I feel motivated to join the team, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of you. I’m personally committed to making Fort Huachuca our home and the very best place it can be.”
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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.
Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.
We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.
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