Col. Andrew Hilmes took command of Fort Benning Garrison from Col. Michail “Gus” Huerter at a change of command ceremony July 8 in front of McGinnis-Wickam Hall. Over the course of his 20-year military career, Hilmes has deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kuwait and Iraq. His awards and decorations include a Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, a Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, combat action badge, parachute badge and air assault badge.
“Andy is not a stranger to Fort Benning. He’s been here as a tactical leader. He’s been the operations officer for the Maneuver Center of Excellence, which is not an easy task,” said Maj. Gen. Scott Miller, commanding general of the MCoE. Hilmes said taking command of the garrison is a humbling task and he is excited to join the ranks of the garrison team.
“I am in awe of everything you do, every day. When you look at the diverse missions that occur across this installation, along with the different types of units that call Fort Benning home, it takes a very dedicated, versatile and skilled workforce to enable success. You’ve earned my respect a long time ago, now it’s time for me to earn yours,” he said.