Unique headquarters company inactivates after decade of service
October 16, 2012
FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - From a small patio near the horse stables, leaders, comrades, and loved ones said a fond farewell to a headquarters company that had overseen the base's Military Honors and Caisson platoons for a decade.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Army Support Activity, inactivated Oct. 2 after 10 years of service following a quiet ceremony.
The unique headquarters company, under different organizations, has been a part of Fort Sam Houston since 1962. The company was placed under the Special Troops Battalion, U.S. Army Garrison, in 2002.
"I knew this day was coming," said Capt. James Blevins, company commander, HHC, ASA. "I am happy that 1st Sgt. Anthony Walls will remain with the unit to give it continuity even though I am leaving."
Walls has since assumed duties as first sergeant for Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North, which now is responsible for some of the former unit's missions.
As part of the restructuring on the installation, the STB was deactivated in 2006 and the company fell directly under the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, said Joseph Leblond, the executive officer for ASA.
"Four years later," he explained, "as part of the base realignment and closure commission, the company was transferred to the Army Support Activity under the 502nd Mission Support Group. However, since the company had an 'Army-specific' mission, it was decided that it should remain with the Army."
Elements of the company, now part of Army North, have the important mission of continuing to provide military funeral honors in the south Texas region as well as providing ceremonial support to Fort Sam Houston and the greater San Antonio military community.