FORT HOOD, Texas — A ceremonial change of command for U.S. Army Garrison–Fort Hood took place on July 11, 2025, as Col. Mark McClellan assumed leadership from Col. Lakicia R. Stokes at a ceremony held at Sadowski Field, adjacent to the III Armored Corps Headquarters.
McClellan transitions to Fort Hood from his previous role as director of the Department of Tactics, Training and Doctrine at the Maneuver Center of Excellence in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Stokes will move on to the Operational Test Command at West Fort Hood for her next assignment.
Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, the Commanding General of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, highlighted the vital role of the garrison and its leadership in his remarks during the ceremony.
“Fort Hood Garrison is responsible for the most important military base in the world,” Admiral stated, underscoring the team’s responsibility for managing facilities and resources that enable units to prioritize training and readiness.
The garrison is a complex organization, comprising one management and control office, six directorates, eight installation support offices, and two subordinate military units, with a workforce of over 2,000 civilians and 31 soldiers.
Admiral praised Stokes’ leadership over the past two years, emphasizing her focus on initiatives that directly impacted soldiers and their families.
“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,” he explained.
Among the notable improvements made under Stokes’ command include better dining options through the Phantom Centralized HUB, the installation of a microgrid at West Fort Hood that enhances energy resilience, and the establishment of the no-fare, micro transit Cavazos Connector to improve travel across the installation.
Furthermore, Stokes oversaw the creation of a new outdoor family fitness park aimed at supporting family well-being, among other enhancements.
In recognition of Stokes’ tenure, it was noted that the installation received more than 30 honors, including the Installation Management Command Best Garrison Award and the 2024 Department of the Army Superior Unit Award.
During the change of command ceremony, Patrick Appelman, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness, commended Stokes for her selfless service and commitment during her leadership.
“Your team, day in and day out, provides exceptional services and ensures Soldiers and their families are both helped and cared for while they serve our country,” Appelman remarked.
He highlighted the vital transportation services provided by the Cavazos Connector, particularly for junior-enlisted soldiers and their families, alongside Stokes’ initiatives addressing food insecurity, including a program that has distributed over $225,000 in food vouchers to 631 families in just six months.
“You focused your efforts on the heart and soul of the garrison, always putting Soldiers, families, and civilians first,” Appelman stated, praising her dedication.
Stokes made it clear in her speech that the achievements during her time as garrison commander were a product of teamwork.
“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.”
As she relinquished her command, Stokes expressed gratitude for her mentors, peers, and the team she led.
She described her experience as garrison commander as “an honor and a learning experience.”
“Thank you for allowing me the space to lead, the support to succeed, and the mentorship to grow,” Stokes concluded. “Your confidence in me and your steadfast backing of the garrison team make everything we accomplish possible.”
Stokes also extended her thanks to the surrounding communities for their partnerships in supporting soldiers and their families.
“While the garrison is responsible for delivering 55 of the 78 services, the remaining 23 wouldn’t happen without you,” she acknowledged, thanking community members for their cooperation.
The change of command ceremony drew significant attendance from community members who play key roles in supporting Fort Hood.
Harker Heights Mayor Michael Blomquist remarked on the importance of such traditional military ceremonies.
“It’s great to be a part of this tradition,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the garrison’s mission.
The close relationship between Harker Heights and Fort Hood was further cemented through partnerships on various projects and events.
Looking forward, Blomquist expressed confidence in McClellan’s capabilities to uphold the garrison legacy.
“I think he’s going to be a great addition to the garrison legacy here,” Blomquist stated. “I have high confidence that he’s going to be able to carry forward and do an awesome job, just like Colonel Stokes did.”
Both Appelman and Admiral conveyed their trust that the garrison’s successes will persist under McClellan’s leadership.
“Lakicia was the right leader at the right time to continue the improvements across The Great Place,” Admiral commented, reflecting on Stokes’ impactful leadership.
He expressed enthusiasm about McClellan stepping into the role, emphasizing his strong reputation from Fort Benning.
“Mark comes with a tremendous reputation from Fort Benning,” Admiral noted. “He’s a prudent leader, and I’m looking forward to everything that he will accomplish here with us at Fort Hood.”
In his remarks, McClellan expressed his honor at taking command and his excitement about joining the U.S. Army garrison team.
He thanked Stokes for her dedication and smooth leadership transition, noting her efforts have set a high standard for onboarding.
“The seamless onboarding you provided has been invaluable and goes above and beyond what I’ve experienced in the Army,” McClellan acknowledged.
McClellan revealed a personal connection to Fort Hood, recalling his time there as a cadet that solidified his decision to serve as an armor officer.
“Returning here now after many years feels like a full-circle moment,” he reflected. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve at The Great Place.”
Moving forward, McClellan expressed his commitment to building upon the foundation left by Stokes, striving to make Fort Hood a preferred installation for the U.S. Army.
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