TEXARKANA, Texas –
Friends, family, coworkers and local government officials gathered together inside the Texarkana College’s Truman Arnold Student Center for the Hail and Farewell ceremony of Army Lt. Col. Anthony A. Stoeger and Army Lt. Col. Milton G. Kelly June 11. The ceremony was hosted by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce.
Dennis Lewis, the chamber’s Military Affairs Committee chairman, emceed the evening’s program, stating Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Red River is host Red River Army Depot’s largest tenant and an essential element of supply and distribution for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Paying tribute to outgoing commander Kelly’s leadership and experience, Lewis said Kelly has guided DLA Distribution Red River to solid performance.
“Under his leadership, DLA Distribution Red River has implemented several initiatives to enhance workforce development. The major step forward was the implementation of standard operating procedures for hiring. With the increase in workload coupled with the streamlining of hiring, the staffing level of the organization increased from about 500 to more than 600 employees,” said Lewis.
The program continued with Kelly taking the podium. “I had a great time with the community here in Texarkana,” said Kelly. “I would like to retire here, if possible.”
Incoming commander Stoeger said it was great to be back in Texas, having previously served at Fort Hood. “It’s good to see grass, trees and water again.”
Stoeger replaced Kelly in the DLA Distribution Red River Change of Command ceremony the following morning, June 12.