Parker reflects on change and progress. (Last Change of Command).

After two years of leading the Deployment Support Command, Brig. Gen. Donald D. Parker is still amazed by the spirit and vitality of the organization's personnel.

Amidst a hectic, fast-paced operational tempo, Parker said his staff accomplished mission after mission as the structure of the command continued to evolve.

Parker passed the reigns of responsibility to Brig. Gen. Barbara Doornink at a traditional change-of-command ceremony Aug. 3.

"We, collectively, have made great strides in providing quality service to our many, diverse customers," said Parker, who now serves as Director for Force Projection and Distribution in the Army's Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, at the Pentagon.

"Along with cutting costs across MTMC, the command has developed better credibility with its customers. Our customers know that we are focused on providing best value transportation service to the field."

Relaxing briefly in his chair prior to his departure, Parker pondered the past two years.

"Looking back two years ago," said Parker, "it's utterly amazing to note the progress made across many fronts. The fact that we accomplished what we have with minimal impact to the work force is a source of great pride we should all share ...

"We made it happen at the Deployment Support Command and took care of people along the way."

In that time, the Deployment Support Command has been part of a continuous re-engineering effort, including standardizing the command's units and centralizing some work at MTMC Headquarters.

More change is ahead: the DSC commander will become the new Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.

Early resistance to change, Parker said, gradually shifted as the organization became more efficient and competitive. In time, even those who initially showed reluctance modified their views.

The changes were particularly hard on employees who had left Oakland and Bayonne due to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, he said.

"But as the issues were discussed, management tools exercised, and the union brought in as a full partner," said Parker, "folks began to see that change was necessary and that they would be taken care of to the very best of our ability."

Now, he said, the Deployment Support Command is moving ahead.

"People are getting on with their lives, knowing that change is inevitable, and indeed, healthy," said Parker.

"I don't know how many I've talked to here and in the field who have leveraged these streamlining initiatives to their own benefit, resulting in better assignments, career-enhancing opportunities, and even promotions for some."

Parker provided some final advice.

"It's trite, but the old adage of `Mission first, people always' will carry you through most challenges," said Parker. "I've found that if you take care of people, the mission takes care of itself.

"Don't take yourself too seriously, and have fun along the way."

Indeed, that is what Parker did. He could be found dancing or dressing up as many "shagadelic" alter egos at command functions, using laughter to boost morale.

"Life is too short to wring your hands over every little issue that comes across your desk. So don't sweat the small stuff too much."

"But," said Parker, "understand that your little issue could be somebody's big issue. You have to be able to recognize that and work it accordingly."

Larry D. McCaskill Public Affairs Specialist Deployment Support Command