Fort Rucker and area officials said farewell during a "Wings of Honor" ceremony Aug. 24 to a leader described as having a passion and commitment to the U.S. Army and its soldiers.
Outgoing Deputy Commander of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker Col. Jessie O. Farrington thanked the people who have supported him throughout his time at Fort Rucker including his family, staff and colleagues.
"I've been blessed throughout my career," he said. "The Army provided an opportunity for a 17 year old to get some college money, and I never looked back. I've been honored to be a part of it all."
Farrington has spent more than 27 years of commissioned service in a variety of command, staff and field assignments.
Farrington said he is confident in the abilities of incoming Deputy Commander Douglas M. Gabram.
"You're getting a great commander in Gabram," Farrington said.
Gabram said he has a big role to fill and he looks forward to work ahead.
"I'm extremely excited to be back at Fort Rucker and part of this championship team," Gabram said. "Our mission here is to continue to produce the best warriors and aviators."
Gabram served as the brigade commander of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas from April 2008 until July 1012 and deployed the brigade to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After deploying he was assigned to the Pentagon as the executive officer to the commanding general of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Organization.
Gabram returned in 2011 to serve as the division chief of staff and deployed to Afghanistan where he assumed the mission in regional command as Combined Joint Task Force 1 from May 2011 until April 2011.
Gabram, and his wife Lori of 26 years, have a daughter, Sarah, and a son, Conner.
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