Training center welcomes new commander Published Dec. 24, 2009 By Wayne Cook ASA-Dix Public Affairs Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst -- Soldiers of the Regional Training Center-East (RTC-E) stood in formation on Sharp Field at Army Support Activity (ASA) - Dix to witness the passing of the guidon during a change of command Dec. 14. Two years after standing up the RTC-E, the organization's first commander, Lt. Col. Walter Easter Jr., relinquished command to the presiding officer of the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Alton Berry, commanding general, 70th Training Division. Berry, in turn, passed the guidon to Lt. Col. John Hamlette III, who assumed command. Soldiers, Airmen, civilian employees and guests, including Brig. Gen. Dwayne Edwards, deputy commanding general, 108th Training Command, Air Force Col. Gina Grosso, commander, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Col. Patrick Slowey, commander, ASA-Dix, Col. William Thompson, director of Information Assurance, Defense Logistics Agency, senior civilian directors, and many others gathered to witness the time-honored tradition of the change-of-command ceremony. When Berry addressed the attendees, he stated, "The change of command is a long-lasting tradition. It shows that the United States Army had faith in Lt. Col. Easter to lead in this mission. It also shows the same faith the Army has in Lt. Col. Hamlette. When Lt. Col. Easter took on this mission, it was unique because it was a new challenge to train Soldiers for war. He has done an outstanding job. Lt. Col. Hamlette, I trust that you will continue the work of the command at the level that was set before you." Easter bade the Soldiers of the RTC-E farewell by saying, "Since the beginning, you have not only led the way, but you also set the standard for the other regional training centers. Thank you for the work you've done, the support you've given me, and continue forward." Hamlette thanked Easter for setting the foundation on which he is about to build the next chapter of his career. He also recognized Easter for building a U.S. Army Reserve pre-mobilization training program that Soldiers at all levels, to include flag officers, are reporting is the best training they have ever experienced. He then turned his attention to his new command. "Soldiers of RTC-East, any real leader knows that the level of success he achieves usually comes from the efforts of the people around them. I realize the success RTC-East has experienced over the past couple of years is a direct result of your effort and dedication. In the past two weeks, I have felt your passion for training Soldiers to fight and win in combat. Thank you for all you do," he said. Hamlette was commissioned a second lieutenant from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. He has served in various positions in the field artillery field including a stint in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Not long after redeployment from the war, he attended the Systems Automation Course and then was assigned to Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) at Fort Monroe, Va. Hamlette began his Army Reserve career in 1997, at the same time he began his civilian career as a systems and network engineer. He has held many positions in the Reserve including once again deploying to Southwest Asia, this time is support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. His latest assignment was with the 108th Training Command as part of Task Force 802 to implement the Regional Training Center Concept. The RTC-E was activated on Jan. 3, 2008, as part of Task Force 802, 108th Training Command (Institutional Training) to support the Secretary of Defense Memorandum Utilization of the Total Force, Jan 19, 2007, which directs Army Reserve Soldiers to be mobilized for a maximum of 365 days versus the old construct of 365 days "Boots on the Ground" plus post-mobilization training.