WSMR Garrison holds a Change of Command Ceremony for incoming commander

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (June 18, 2024) A Change of Command Ceremony in honor of the new White Sands Missile Range Garrison Commander Col. Donyeill A. Mozer and the outgoing White Sands Missile Range Garrison Commander David A. Mitchell was held on June 17. WSMR leadership, Joint Service Military, civilians and off post partners gathered on the WSMR Organ Mountains Parade Field as Mozer assumed his duties.

The master of ceremonies, WSMR Executive Officer Joshua T. Fosher, provided opening remarks to start the ceremony, WSMR Chaplain Lt. Keith J. Andrews provided the invocation, and former WSMR ACS Director Yolanda Hingle sang the national anthem.

“It’s such a privilege to be here with you as we salute an outstanding Garrison commander, Col David A. Mitchell, his spouse Robyn, and their daughter, Hailey; and welcome Col. Donyeill A. Mozer, his spouse Likuana, and their daughters Camille, Cierra, and son Donovan,” said Installation Management Command Deputy Director of Readiness Christopher J. Ward. “Mitch, I know it’s a bittersweet day for you. Commanding a Garrison is one of the most unique military assignments one can experience and I know how much you put into this installation. Mitchell maximized community partnering to ensure the quality of life of the joint community and their families and reinvigorated the Battan Memorial Death March after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also initiated a circle of improvements including the virtual golf range, Frontier Club, and the Child Development Center. I’d like to also welcome Col. Donyeill A. Mozer to the IMCOM Readiness Team. I am excited to see you assume command under this installation and taking it into the next chapter. As a proven leader I am confident that you will invest the same passion, professionalism, pride and expertise to the WSMR community.”

“To my beautiful wife Robyn, I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing partner in this life. You are truly the love of my life and thank you for your unwavering support through the past two years and all you do for us,” said Mitchell. “To my family, thank you for your love and unbelievable support. My daughter, Hailey, thank you for supporting your dad throughout his career. Col. Promotable Turner, congratulations on the upcoming promotion. I couldn’t be prouder, you deserve it. WSMR community, thank you for your attendance today, we appreciate it. I’ve been truly blessed and humbled with the opportunity over the past two years to command the WSMR Garrison. To Don and Kuan, congratulations on this opportunity. Robyn and I pray for your success over the next two years. I am sure you will do an awesome job. Hammer six signing off. Be all you can be.”

“To the Garrison team, Mitchell, and Robyn, thank you for the seamless transition, you should be proud of the legacy you are leaving on the WSMR community” said Mozer. “My wife Kuan and I are excited to be here. WSMR was my first choice for command, and I feel fortunate and privileged to lead this team. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the community. We are very proud to be here. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to everyone involved in executing this ceremony. Success in this profession is never achieved alone and I have been blessed with exceptional support throughout my military journey. I want to recognize my amazing wife, Kuan. This year we celebrated 24 years of marriage. She has been with me every step of the way and I wouldn’t be here without her unwavering support and inspiration. I also want to thank my wonderful children Cierra, Camille, and Donovan. To the WSMR community, I look forward to supporting you all. Your Garrison is here to support you and your families. The work you do here is crucial for our nation’s security. Thank you.”

The ceremony ended with the Fort Bliss 1^st Armored Division Band playing the Army song followed by a reception at the Frontier Club.