By Heather Ashley
Fort Hood Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas — Col. Mark R. McClellan assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood from outgoing commander, Col. Lakicia R. Stokes, July 11 during a ceremony at Sadowski Field outside III Armored Corps Headquarters.
McClellan comes to The Great Place from Fort Benning, Georgia, where he served as director of the Department of Tactics, Training and Doctrine at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. Stokes will move to Operational Test Command at West Fort Hood for her next assignment.
III Armored Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral underscored the importance of the garrison and its leadership in his remarks.
“The Fort Hood Garrison is responsible for the most important military base in the world,” Admiral said, noting the garrison team manages the facilities and resources to enable units to focus on training and prioritize readiness.
Fort Hood’s garrison is comprised of one management and control office, six directorates, eight installation support offices and two subordinate military units, with a team of over 2,000 civilians and 31 Soldiers.
“Over the past 24 months, Lakicia prioritized efforts that affected our Soldiers across all live-fire training and updates to ranges, to housing improvements, to recreation enhancements and dining enhancements,” Admiral explained.
Patrick Appelman, director, U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness, who served as host for the event, also emphasized Stokes’ accomplishments and selfless service during her command.
“First, you and your team, day in and day out, provide exceptional services and ensure Soldiers and their families are both helped and cared for while they serve our country,” Appelman said. “From the new training areas to building repairs and improvements to (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) events throughout the year, Fort Hood Garrison always provides first-class services.”
Stokes said the accomplishments and successes were because of the team.
“At every level, these accomplishments didn’t happen because of one person,” she said. “They happened because of the collective efforts of this Team of Teams, and I am proud to have been a part of that.”
She thanked her leaders for empowering her, holding her to high standards and keeping the focus on taking care of people.
“Thank you for allowing me the space to lead, the support to succeed and the mentorship to grow,” Stokes said. “Your confidence in me and your steadfast backing of the garrison team make everything we accomplish possible.”
Appelman and Admiral also voiced their confidence that the garrison’s successes and accomplishments will continue under McClellan’s leadership.
“Mark comes with a tremendous reputation from Fort Benning,” Admiral said. “He’s a prudent leader, and I’m looking forward to everything that he will accomplish here with us at Fort Hood.”
As McClellan delivered his remarks, he spoke about being honored to serve at the garrison and looking forward to being a part of the IMCOM team.
He thanked Stokes for her leadership and dedication to Fort Hood, as well as her efforts to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“The seamless onboarding you provided has been invaluable and goes above and beyond what I’ve experienced in the Army,” he said. “In the last three weeks, I’ve been consistently impressed by your professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to mission success.”
McClellan said that he looks forward to building on the foundation left by Stokes, “continuing to make Fort Hood an installation of choice for the U.S. Army.”
Media: Click here for B-roll of the ceremony
Click here to watch the entire Garrison Change of Command Ceremony
