10th SG Welcomes New Commander at Torii Station Okinawa

TORII STATION, Okinawa –
By Lauren Hall Torii Station Public Affairs


Photo by Chip Steitz Col. Lance Koenig, right, accepts the 10th Support Group guidon during the unit’s change-of-command ceremony held Friday at Torii Station. Koening took over command of the unit from Col. James Woodard, who served in Okinawa since 2008.

The Army on Okinawa and 10th Support Group welcomed Col. Lance Koenig, the incoming commander of the 10th Support Group, and his family during a change-of-command ceremony held Friday at Torii Station, while bidding farewell to outgoing commander, Col. James Woodard.

Woodard, who took command of the 10th Support Group and the Army on Okinawa in 2008, is headed to U.S. Central Command located on MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., as chief of operations.

“Thanks to each of you for joining us today for this very special ceremony,” said Woodard. “When I arrived here two years ago, [my wife] Valerie and I had no idea what to expect. This was our first tour in the Pacific and our very first time in Asia. I will tell you that we’ve been overwhelmed since that day with a tremendous outpouring of hospitality and friendship. Okinawa is indeed a very, very special place.”

Distinguished guests from all branches of the U.S. military attended the ceremony, including Brig. Gen William Beydler, commanding general of the 1st Marine Air Wing.

Woodard thanked Brig. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, and team Kadena for their team effort in everything from combined operations with 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, to managing housing.

“To the Torii Garrison staff, you are simply the best,” said Woodard. “You pour your heart and your soul into supporting us. No matter what the challenge, you always come through and you make it happen.

You are unequalled. On behalf of all the Soldiers, families and civilians, thank you for taking care of all of us. To my battalion commanders and command sergeants major, thanks for your support and patience. You are the embodiment of Ichi Dan.”

Before assuming command of the 10th Support Group, Koenig attended the Army War College. He was previously assigned as maintenance platoon leader with the 511th Military Intelligence Bn. in Ludwigsburg, Germany, deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Desert Storm.

“I am truly humbled to be here today,” said Koenig. “The Army has given me a tremendous opportunity to command such fine Soldiers on this beautiful island and in Japan. What I’ve discovered in my first week in Okinawa is what terrific people the Okinawans are.

“You are leaving a superb command and I am fortunate to follow such a professional Soldier,” Koenig told Woodard. “I look forward to working as part of the joint team with our Marines, Air Force and Navy counterparts. The 10th Support Group and Army on Okinawa will certainly face challenges ahead and I look forward to working with this great team as we chart our course toward a bright future.”