By Staff Sgt. Anishka J. Calder
1st Sustainment Command (Theater)

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Brig. Gen. Kevin A. Leonard relinquished command of the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) to Brig. Gen. James E. Rogers in a packed Ritz-Epps gymnasium, Aug. 28, 2008.

Leonard took command of the 1st Corps Support Command Dec. 2005, which was later designated as the 1st TSC April 2006. He led the Army's first modular, multi-component Sustainment Command (Theater) through its first deployment to Kuwait June 2007, ensuring the sustainment of logistics to the war fighter serving in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

"Throughout this transformation, 1st TSC performed world-class logistics operations to sustain a force spread throughout one of the most complex and obviously dangerous regions in the world," said Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, the commanding general for the U.S. Army Central, and Coalition Forces Land Component Command. "... The Army chose the right people at the right time to get it done... leaders like those in front of you... and a most special leader like Kevin Leonard ... the best the Army had to give."

Leonard expressed his gratitude to all his Soldiers for their support throughout his tenure as commanding general for the 1st TSC, and to his family for all the love and support that they have given him.

" ... I'd like to thank the Soldiers of the 1st Sustainment Command for allowing me to be your leader for almost three years. I could not have done this without you," said Leonard.

He commended the members of the "First Team" for all their actions and sacrifices in "moving mountains" without hesitation or complaint.

"To the First Team, remember, one mind focused on the mission, one heart willing to serve, one purpose, keeping Soldiers alive," Leonard added.

Leonard's will serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations G-3/5, at the U.S. Army Material Command, Fort Belvoir, V.A.

Rogers is no stranger to Fort Bragg. He served as commander of the 82nd Forward Support Battalion for the 82nd Airborne Division from June 1996 until June 1998. During his last assignment, he served as commander of the Joint Munitions Command (JMC), an organization responsible for the production, storage, issue and demilitarization of conventional ammunition for all U.S. military services. Prior to JMC, Rogers was assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., as chief of the logistics operations division at the U.S. Central Command.

"The 1st TSC has written, and is re-writing logistics doctrine every single day ... we have the people, we have the attitude and we have the drive for taking logistics to the next level," said Rogers as he expressed his enthusiasm in beginning a new chapter in his career with the 1st TSC.
Lovelace formally welcomed Rogers to the team and challenged him to complete the transformation of the 1st TSC using his rich military background and diverse experiences.

"Though we will surely miss Brigadier General Leonard, the 1st TSC, under Brigadier General Rogers will face new challenges while continuing to excel, accomplish the mission, and take care of the Soldiers and civilians, and families under their charge," said Lovelace. "I have every confidence in that."

Lovelace expressed great honor in commanding America's sons and daughters and thank them for all that they do.

"In the 1st TSC headquarters there is a Wall of Fame for great leaders of this organization... leaders who went on to do great things...thus we close the book on Brigadier General Kevin Leonard, and welcome Brigadier General Jim Rogers," Lovelace said.

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