FORT RUCKER, Ala. — In a significant ceremony held at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum on July 22, Fort Rucker officially welcomed its new garrison commander, Col. Jeffrey L. Paulus, while bidding farewell to the outgoing commander, Col. John P. Miller.
The Change of Command ceremony, hosted by William G. Kidd, a member of the Senior Executive Service and the director of the Army’s Installation Management Command – Training, drew attention to the unique sense of community at Fort Rucker. Kidd, who previously served as deputy to the commanding general of the Aviation Center of Excellence, highlighted the warmth and inclusivity experienced by personnel and families at the installation.
Kidd expressed his appreciation to the attendees, stating, “Only one tells you ‘Welcome home,’ and it is here at Fort Rucker, where you truly feel like you are part of something.”
He underscored the commitment required in military life, saying, “Defending this nation and leading those who do is a tough, complex and unyielding way of life—it’s not just a job, you commit yourself totally to it. And it demands excellence in every step taken. Competence is not enough. You’ve got to be the best, do your best each and every day.”
As he welcomed Paulus and his family, Kidd praised him for being a seasoned aviation leader, noting his extensive experience in various strategic and tactical roles worldwide.
“Please join me in welcoming Col. Paulus and extending your full support to him and his family in this effort as the garrison commander,” Kidd remarked. “I am confident that you, Jeff, are going to do a great job and will lead extremely well.”
Kidd also emphasized the importance of teamwork in installation management and urged Paulus to invest in the people within the community.
Col. Paulus previously served as the Continuity and Contingency Operations Officer for the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region. In this role, he was responsible for crucial planning for Continuity of Government and Continuity of Operations.
Throughout his military career, he has commanded the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment and Company C, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, accruing significant operational experience through two deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom and serving in Korea with the Air Cavalry Rotational Force.
His key positions also include roles within the Department of the Army and European Command, with numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
During his address, Paulus expressed gratitude for the community’s warm welcome, noting the strong ties between the aviation branch and the Wiregrass community. “The ties that bind our branch and the Wiregrass community are stronger here than in any other military community I’ve served,” he remarked, highlighting the presence of so many community members and leaders, which he deemed a testament to that bond.
“Assignment to Fort Rucker sets the tone for every Soldier, warrant officer, and officer who have the privilege of serving in Army aviation. Army aviation is strong because the Fort Rucker community is strong,” Paulus continued, indicating his eagerness to continue building on the legacy of leadership established by his predecessors.
Kidd praised the contributions of Col. Miller, noting how his focus on investing in people improved the quality of life at Fort Rucker over the past two years. “Everything changed for the better here at Fort Rucker because of your efforts as a leader and the team that you built here,” Kidd said, thanking the outgoing commander’s family for their supportive role.
Col. Miller remarked about the unique nature of Fort Rucker, stating, “Fort Rucker is a place where dreams come true. It’s a community singularly focused on creating the next generation of aviation warfighters.” He acknowledged the installation’s evolution while stressin that, despite changes, the essence of the garrison team remained constant.
Miller expressed pride in the impact he made during his tenure, stating, “I had the opportunity to make a daily impact on our post, and make impacts that won’t come to fruition for years to come. That’s simply how the garrison world works.”
Col. Miller will transition to a new role as the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center deputy commander, marking a new chapter in his career as he leaves Fort Rucker.
The Change of Command ceremony not only highlighted the transition of leadership at Fort Rucker but also reinforced the commitment of the community to support its leaders and military personnel, ensuring continued excellence in Army aviation.
image source from：army
