USMA activates headquarters company, deactivates garrison support unit

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Fincham
U.S. Military Academy Public Affairs

Leaders, Soldiers, family and friends gathered in the Thayer Award Room Aug. 3, to bid farewell to an organization and to welcome a new one to the Nation’s oldest active military garrison.

During a ceremony the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison West Point was officially deactivated, followed by the activation and assumption of command of the HHC, U.S. Military Academy.

The casing of the HHC, USAG WP guidon symbolized the completion of the unit’s mission in support of the USMA and the USAG WP. Since the establishment of the Installation Management Command and the de-activation of the 1st Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment in 2006, HHC, USAG WP has provided invaluable support for the Soldiers and families of U.S. Military Academy.

“Throughout its tenure, the unit headquarters here at West Point has undergone many changes, but ultimately its primary function has remained the same,” said Garrison Commander Col. Dane D. Rideout.

The newly activated HHC, USMA is charged with the responsibility of providing administrative support, individual Soldier training and serving as a focal point for the health, morale and welfare for the Soldiers and families assigned to the U.S. Military Academy staff and faculty.

Following the activation of the unit, Capt. Joshua M. Klatzko assumed command of the company and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead and thanked the outgoing leadership for their support.

“I’d like to thank Capt. Marc Vielledent and 1st Sgt. (Dwayne) Key for their hard work and dedication as HHC. They have postured the company for success that Sgt. 1st Class Burich and I take over and the transition has been nothing short of stellar,” Klatzko said.

“I expect this position to be both challenging and rewarding, and I will give it my maximum effort and abilities to accomplish the mission at hand. I’m absolutely honored to be a part of the greatest military academy in the world.”