After spending 22 years in high-level intelligence operations in Germany, Iraq and Qatar, Army Col. Daniel Thomas has a new and unknown challenge ? making way for 10,000 new federal employees.
“I?ve dealt with improving facilities, but nothing like the [Base Realignment and Closure] coming here,” said Thomas, who officially became
Fort Meade?s 83rd commander Monday.
“We have to focus on customer service, because these new agencies are our customers, and we need to do everything we can to support their operations.”
Thomas comes to the Odenton installation in Anne Arundel that by 2011 will be home to thousands of new employees via the BRAC influx.
“These next three years are critical to the growth of the region, and we?re looking forward to Col. Thomas? leadership,” said Kent Menser, Howard County?s BRAC coordinator.
Thomas has an extensive background in the intelligence field, as Fort Meade is home to the National Security Agency and the intelligence units for all four military branches.
He replaced Col. Kenneth McCreedy, another decorated intelligence officer who is retiring in October, during Monday?s ceremony. The command of the fort is typically a three-year duty.
As McCreedy gave his kudos to those who helped him, he showed emotion when thanking his three children for enduring the many travels of an Army officer.
“You?ve given me thegreatest honor of my life ? you call me Dad,” McCreedy tearfully said.
McCreedy was best known for his outreach into the community, even when the fort and community were adversarial over issues such as property development and the environment.
“He took Fort Meade to the next level,” said Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md.
As BRAC takes shape in the coming years and affects the region, Thomas said, he hopes to maintain that connection with the community, which will see more traffic, schoolchildren and high-tech jobs.
“The only way this will work well … is to integrate the community,” he said.
Some residents are concerned a new commander may derail the extensive planning done since 2005, but officials at Monday?s ceremony were optimistic about Thomas? leadership.
“Things are set in motion, and that train is already going down the tracks,” said Bert Rice, Fort Meade?s executive officer.
“BRAC is going to move forward without any glitches.”
