An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN THE NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS | May 23, 2018

New commander takes helm at Fort McCoy Garrison

By Scott Sturkol Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office

Col. Hui Chae Kim became Fort McCoy’s newest garrison commander at a change-of-command ceremony May 19 at the installation’s Rumpel Fitness Center. 

Kim assumed command from Col. David J. Pinter Sr., who held the position since March 11, 2016. Installation Management Command (IMCOM)-Readiness Director Brenda Lee McCullough officiated the event. Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Reinert, commanding general of the 88th Readiness Division and senior Fort McCoy commander, also addressed the gathering. 

The change-of-command ceremony is a military tradition dating to the 18th century. During the ceremony, an organizational flag is passed to the individual assuming the command with unit members present to witness their new leader assuming the dutiful position. 

As garrison commander, Kim is responsible for day-to-day operation and management of the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin. A garrison commander also represents the Army and the installation in the surrounding community, approves and issues garrison policies in accordance with respective Army regulations, approves and issues policies for the civilian workforce, and supports mobilization station requirements.

McCullough discussed how the Fort McCoy Garrison has been very successful the past two years under Pinter and noted the installation will continue to do well under Kim’s leadership.

“It’s always an awesome day when we salute an outstanding garrison commander for a job well done and celebrate the arrival of an equally outstanding Soldier to assume leadership of U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy,” McCullough said. “Dave, your efforts have affected Fort McCoy for many years to come. … And like Col. Pinter, Col. Kim is a proven leader. He is ideally suited to lead the Fort McCoy team for priorities and requirements set forth by the senior commander and the IMCOM priorities set forth by Lt. Gen. (Kenneth R.) Dahl (IMCOM commanding general).

“I am fully confident you will lead this garrison with the same professionalism, pride, and expertise that you have throughout your career,” she said. 

“I know that you will continue the work started by Col. Pinter while bringing in, at the same time, a new vision that ensures the garrison will continue to be able to enable the readiness of Soldiers working and training at Fort McCoy while also taking care of Families.”

Reinert’s comments reflected McCullough’s in that Fort McCoy should continue its excellence with Kim.

“Col. Pinter’s leadership these last couple of years has actually led us to an unprecedented amount of change at Fort McCoy,” Reinert said. “Col. Kim is going to bring a different style of leadership and different expectations. But he’s going to be the same kind of focused, dedicated leader that we’ve come to expect. He’s going to drive readiness. He is going to drive change. And he is going to continue to seek excellence here at Fort McCoy.”

Pinter said he was thankful to have been the garrison commander the past two years and said the installation is poised for continued success.

“Every success, while in command at Fort McCoy, is credited to Team McCoy and the coalition of our team partners both on and off the installation,” Pinter said. “Team McCoy’s motivation and efforts have resulted in numerous individual, organization, and installation awards at the IMCOM, Army, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense levels. Team McCoy’s results-based focus and process-improvement business model crafted on the framework of performance and excellence have allowed Fort McCoy to successfully transition its business model into a four-season institution and cold-weather focused business plan. 

“The last 30 days, Col. Kim and Doris have been able to meet with the team of Fort McCoy,” Pinter said. “They have been impressed with the drive, readiness, and motivation of the team. Congratulations on your opportunity to command the best Army Reserve garrison.”

Immediately prior to coming to Fort McCoy, Kim served as deputy commander of the 303rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade with the 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Pacific Command, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

After enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1989, Kim received a commission from Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo., ROTC program. He has served in various locations as platoon leader, company commander, operations officer, mobilization officer, and logistics officer. He also served as the Total Force integrator for Operational Strategic Maneuver Support with the Concepts Organization Doctrine Development Division, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; deputy commander of the 774th Civil Support Team in Kaiserslautern, Germany; and battalion commander for the 490th Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Battalion, Anniston, Ala. He deployed with the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command to Iraq in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Kim earned a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Utah, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa. His military education includes the Chemical Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Army Force Management Course, Capabilities Development Course, Reserve Component National Security Course, and Defense Strategy Course.

Kim’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Army Superior Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Parachutist Badge, and German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.
“I’m looking forward … to serving for and with the best garrison team in the Army,” Kim said. “Together, we will continue to ensure Fort McCoy remains a premiere training center and a mobilization force generation installation for America’s defense forces.”

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at www.mccoy.army.mil, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”