Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 115, No. 2	January 9, 2008

New Fort Knox commander takes the reins

Photos by Larry See Jr.
Standing at attention during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” are from left, incoming Fort Knox commanding general Brig. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., reviewing officer Gen. William S. Wallace, center, and outgoing commanding general Maj. Gen. Robert Williams.

By LARRY SEE JR.
Messenger Staff

Fort Lewis, Wash., and I Corps Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Donald Campbell has assumed command of Fort Knox – again.

Amidst pomp and circumstance Monday afternoon, Campbell was sworn in as the new leader at Fort Knox. He was previously stationed here from June 2004 through May 2005 as the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

Among the many dignitaries present at the event were Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Meade County Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Russ Powell and county Judge Executive Harry Craycroft.

Serving as the reviewing officer was Gen. William S. Wallace, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Va.

“Every time I come to Fort Knox I feel like I am coming home again,” Gen. Wallace said.

Wallace said the changing of command ceremony is a cherished tradition, as it signifies the transfer of power from one person to another.

“You are fortunate that you have had Maj. Gen. Robert Williams here for the past two years,” he said.

“Mr. Williams is a gifted leader and has a strong sense of values,” Wallace said. “And his wife, Deb, was an indispensable teammate. She had a passion for volunteer services and they both improved the quality of life while here.”

“She helped coordinate numerous fundraisers with the proceeds going to a variety of charitable organizations within the area.”

“We also have another leader stepping up from among the rank and file who will take command,” Wallace said. “Don and Ann Campbell are both no strangers to Fort Knox. Don is the right man to continue the strong sense of programs here at the Center of Excellence which is Fort Knox.”

Campbell is a distinguished military graduate of Kansas State University. Commissioned an armor officer in May 1978, his initial assignment was with the 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor at Fort Riley, Kan., where he served as a tank platoon leader, company executive officer, battalion S1/adjutant and company commander.

“Fort Knox, it is great to be back,” Campbell said. “I am absolutely thrilled to be here and I look forward to the next few years,”

The first official handshake between incoming commanding general Brig. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., and outgoing commanding general Maj. Gen. Robert Williams. Williams has been assigned to Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania.

Campbell is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He holds a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

Campbell arrives at Fort Knox during a busy time, especially as the Base Realignment and Closure Process is well underway. He will lead the post’s tank training and play a key role in the Fort Knox-related realignment process and the Army’s transformation efforts.

This is his 21st move in 29 years and he brings with him his wife, Ann, a son, Craig, and a daughter, Leslie.

Campbell replaces outgoing Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Williams, who is moving to Carlisle Barracks, Pa., to serve as the 47th commandant of the U.S. Army War College, which trains senior military officers and civilians for strategic leadership responsibilities.

In his final remarks, Williams said it was a bittersweet time for him and his family, adding it was the 23rd move for them in 33 years.

“We are not just an Army installation we are a community of families,” Williams said. He added that when he was preparing for the departure it was a mixture of feelings, among them pride, disappointment and apprehension.

“This has truly been a great place for Deb and I,” he said. He said there are still a lot of changes in store for Fort Knox, particularly as the BRAC issues continue to be addressed.

“This base also has offered us more support than any other community that I have been associated with,” he said. “Deb and I will miss this community of families.”

Maj. Gen. Williams led Fort Knox for the last two years and transformed several of the Armor Center and School programs to provide the most relevant training for today’s initial entry soldiers. More training and emphasis on how to render medical aid as well as live-fire convoy exercises that require use of judgment-based skills are two such areas Williams enhanced while here.

Williams was commissioned in armor from the Citadel in 1974. Following the Armor Officer Basic Training Course, he served as a tank platoon leader, mortar platoon leader, CSC executive officer, and tank company commander for the 4th Battalion, 63d Armor at Fort Riley, Kan., from 1975 to 1979.

Williams’ decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merits, the Soldier’s Medal, a Bronze Star Medal for valor, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

The 113th “Dragoons” army band, conducted by Warrant Officer Jeremiah M. Keillor provided music during the event.

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