Changing command at MCLB

Posted: July 17, 2009 04:17 PM

Updated: July 17, 2009 04:31 PM


By Jay Polk - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Every day, hundreds of civilians go to work at the Marine Corps Logistics Base to repair equipment and put armor on vehicles that keeps Marines alive in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now those workers have a new leader. Hundreds of people from around the military and civilian communities, and dozens of friends and family, gathered outside of the maintenance facility Friday morning to say goodbye to Col. Daniel Gillan.

He's retiring after 32 years in the Corps and has relaxing plans for his leisure time. "Golf, fishing," said Col. Gillan.

But he's also picked up some additional skills over the years. And he had a chance to show off one of those skills: the bagpipes.

Col. Gillan has been in charge of the Maintenance Center for two years. He feels that the best part of his job was the knowledge that the work done here has enabled Marines in the field - including his own brother - to succeed in their mission.

"They know that their hand prints, their fingerprints are on each and every piece of equipment that makes a difference in those Marines' lives," said Col. Gillan.

He was born in Chicago and you would think that he would be eager to get back there, but he's grown to like the Good Life City.

Col. Gillan said, "Albany is our home. We're going to be here, our kids are going to continue in high school.

Taking his place was Col. Terry Reid. For him and his wife Jackie, coming to Albany is a homecoming of sorts.

"Home is South Carolina. Rock Hill, South Carolina for me and Columbia for Jackie," he said.

But even though this is the closest that he's been to his hometown since enlisting in the Corps, he shouldn't have any trouble dealing with the South Georgia Summers, given his previous assignment.

"I was Assistant Chief of Staff of Aviation Logistics Fourth Marine Air Corps Wing in New Orleans," Col. Reid said.

Ultimately he has one simple goal: "Trying to maintain a level of excellence that this command is known for here."

So that the men and women who serve our nation can continue to do their patriotic duty.

Video

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=10746518

Ellie