III Corps Commanding General Relinquishes Command - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

Fort Hood comes one step closer to getting a new commanding general.

LTG Don Campbell relinquished command over III Corps Wednesday, and as he looks forward to his newest assignment, KCEN HD looks back on all he's accomplished.

While leaders come and go, III Corps's storied colors won't change.

Now as GEN Campbell passes them to Deputy Commanding General James Richardson, he knows the story of Fort Hood will never be the same.

At the ceremony, Campbell said, "When I took command of III Corps and Fort Hood, I had a long list of goals, now in what seems like an impossibly short time, I look back on the incredible things we have all accomplished together, and I am awed."

Over the past 19 months, GEN Campbell has deployed thousands of troops in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world.

"And his straight-forward vision and no-nonsense leadership philosophy are impacting soldiers and their families across the corps," said GEN David Rodriguez, Commanding General of United States Army Forces Command

GEN Campbell hosted the Army's first ever multimedia town hall on television and the web.

He's also improved soldier and family support and championed Fort Hood's suicide prevention program.

GEN Rodriguez told him, "Don, you have carried through on this commitment to make 'The Great Place' even greater and to ensure that the Phantom Corps remains 'The Family First Corps.'"

Now as GEN Campbell heads to Germany to take command of U.S., Army Europe and Seventh Army, he's set on making an equal impression there.

"I am truly excited to take on challenges ahead, and I look forward to the challenge and opportunity to continue to serve soldiers," said Campbell.

GEN Richardson will lead III Corps until a permanent replacement is made.

MAJ GEN Mark Milley from Fort Drum has been nominated to take over.

He's awaiting Congress's final approval.

Reporter: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com

Photographer: Chris Buford cbuford@kcentv.com