Doornink takes command at DSC. (Last Change of Command).

With the symbolic gesture of passing the command colors, Brig. Gen. Barbara Doornink has assumed command of MTMC's Deployment Support Command.

Doornink assumed command Aug. 3 from Brig. Gen. Donald D. Parker in a Fort Eustis ceremony at Seay Plaza. She becomes the organization's third commander.

The flag was transferred by Maj. Gen. Kenneth L. Privratsky, Commander, Military Traffic Management Command.

"Under Brigadier General Don Parker's leadership, the Deployment Support Command work force has performed without parallel and with remarkable resilience," said Privratsky.

"The members of this command show remarkable understanding and remarkable teamwork."

The change of command will be the last for the Fort Eustis organization, said Privratsky.

"In the future, the Commanding General will transition to the Deputy Commanding General for Operations of MTMC ... in the very near future we will have another ceremony," he said.

The Army recently approved a reshaping of MTMC that will transition the Fort Eustis organization to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.

"Fort Eustis will become the center of the universe for MTMC operations--that is a big deal!" said Privratsky. "We will leverage technology, redefine traffic management."

Privratsky praised the new commander.

"Brigadier General Barbara Doornink is the right lady at the right time. She grew up in the trenches, has already completed a worldwide reorganization--only five times larger--and reestablished a headquarters from two locations without interrupting support to customers," said Privratsky.

"She cares about people and is a magnificent logistician. You could not ask for a better leader to follow in the footsteps of Don Parker."

Parker also drew praise from his successor.

"Brigadier General Don Parker is a tough act to follow," Doornink said. "It's good to be back at Fort Eustis. This installation is always a special place for transporters.

"I pledge to do my best to listen, to make the tough decisions and to lead in all I am capable of. Thanks to what you represent, we will meet the challenges of tomorrow to make our future better," she said.

Doornink's most recent assignment was at the Pentagon as Director of Plans, Operations and Logistics Automation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics.

She gained prominence for her service as Commander of the Defense Distribution Center, at the Defense Logistics Agency, in New Cumberland, Pa., from 1998 to 2000. While in command, she led reorganization efforts at the facility. Her overseas tours of duty include Korea, Germany and Croatia.

The Prosser, Wash., native graduated from Washington State University in 1973 with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. She earned a master of science degree in information systems from the University of Southern California.