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CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar (July 25, 2009) -
"Colonel Girard takes command of Area Support Group Qatar today,"
said Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, Jr., Third Army/U.S. Army Central
commander, during a change of command ceremony at Camp As Sayliah,
Qatar, July 25. Col. Maxine C. Girard, previously a tenant unit
commander at the Qatar base, succeeded Col. David G. Cotter as
ASG-QA and installation commander. "The commander has changed but
the overall mission remains the same."
Girard, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Jamaica, is widely
known and respected at Camp As Sayliyah. In June 2008, she
completed two years as the 1st Battalion, 401st Army Field Support
Brigade commander. During the 1-401 AFSB change of command, she was
praised for integrating a robust Stryker armored vehicle repair
facility at the Qatar base. Girard was selected for promotion to
the rank of colonel and handed orders to attend the U.S. Army War
College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., knowing she would return to
Qatar the following summer as ASG-QA commander.
During Cotter's two-year tenure as ASG-QA commander, the U.S.
military installation celebrated significant milestones and
achievements, to include: recharging over 50,000 U.S. Central
Command war fighters participating in the rest and recuperation
pass program; earning the 2008 Connelly Award for providing the
best large garrison dining facility in the Army; surpassing 450
days without significant injury to military personnel or damage to
government equipment, while shipping tons of life-saving medical
supplies and tactical vehicles throughout the CENTCOM area of
operations. Furthermore, Cotter endorsed numerous efforts to
strengthen bilateral relations with the Qatar military.
"Camp As Sayliyah is more involved with the war fighter today
than we were 24 months ago," said Cotter, during remarks
immediately following the exchange of leadership. "Colonel Girard
knows the installation's units and what they do. She is clearly the
right Soldier to lead this command - hooah!"
"The ASG-QA command group and staff sections got me onboard and
integrated quickly," said Girard. "I pledge continued protection of
the force, excellence in supporting and sustaining our war fighters
and development and empowerment of strong and capable leaders. All
policies remain in effect until further notice. Support six signing
onto the Net... Army strong!"
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