Branch chief departs

More than 700 “great days to be the Aviation Branch Chief” are about to come to a close for Fort Rucker’s senior leader, but the people Maj. Gen. Virgil L. Packett II and his wife, Ululani, touched during those days and during a 37-year Army career will not soon forget the graceful, energetic couple.

“For 37 years, Packett has created a legacy not only within the Aviation community but throughout the U.S. Army,” United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker Chief of Staff Col. Kelly Thomas said. “His passion for Soldiers and his unwavering sense of duty have always been easily identifiable aspects of his character.”

During the past two years, Packett has spearheaded a variety of changes at Fort Rucker, unveiled a new post headquarters building and new post housing, dedicated four streets to Medal of Honor recipients, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Branch and shepherded the post into a new era as the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.

Also during his time as Aviation Branch commander, Packett wrapped his arms around training sites around the country to build a stronger Army Aviation Family, signed the Army Family Covenant and strengthened the bond between Fort Rucker and the surrounding communities by signing the Army Community Covenant.

“We are truly thankful for what (the Packetts have) done for Army Aviation, the U.S. Army and America,” Thomas said.

Brig. Gen. Bill Forrester, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center commanding general, said he will never forget March 1, 2007, and Packett’s tireless efforts to help his neighbors in the aftermath of a deadly tornado.

“Packett has raised the bar on what Fort Rucker is doing,” Forrester said.

Noncommissioned Officer Academy Command Sgt. Maj. Marlin Smith served with Packett during his time with the 18th Airborne Corps and in Bosnia. Smith said the old adage of “if you really want to know about a commander, you need to ask his sergeants,” holds true in Packett’s case because the general’s reputation for excellence reaches throughout the ranks.

“(Packett) is well respected and thought highly of throughout the Corps of noncommissioned officers because of his dedication to Soldiers,” Smith said.

Packett’s influence during his time in the Army has reached far beyond the boundaries of various installations around the world and his reputation has carried his name into the offices of many political leaders including Alabama Governor Bob Riley.

Upon hearing of Packett’s retirement plans, Riley quickly dispatched a certificate of appreciation from his office to thank the general for his many contributions to the Army.

“On behalf of the citizens of Alabama, please accept my sincerest appreciation of your 37 years of loyal and dedicated service,” Riley wrote. “You have held the torch of freedom high.”

Tuesday, surrounded by mementos of a lifetime of service, patriotism and, perhaps most of all, fun, the post and Wiregrass community members gathered at Aviators’ Landing to offer a fond farewell to the Packetts, a command team who, according to many in attendance, epitomized the grace and energy of true leadership.

“Tonight, we honor a truly outstanding career and a magnificent warfighter,” Thomas said.

One by one, Soldiers representing the military team Packett has led for the past two years stepped to the microphone to offer their departing leader words of thanks and tokens of appreciation for a job well done.

“You charted a course at Fort Rucker (and) the course never wavered. We always knew exactly where we needed to go and what we needed to do,” Col. Warren Phipps, special assistant to the commanding general, said. “You challenged us to achieve what we thought was unachievable.”

Fort Rucker Garrison Commander Col. Yvette Kelley thanked Packett for his tireless commitment to caring for Army Families and the surrounding communities.

“Thank you for all you have contributed to the Families, civilians, Soldiers and retirees at Fort Rucker,” she said. “We are going to miss you.”
Aviation Proponency Director Col. Scott Ciluffo offered Packett thanks from the entire Army Aviation community.

“On behalf of the 45,000 Aviation ... Soldiers, thank you for your service to us, our Army and the nation,” he said. “We wish you and Ululani all the best in the years to come.”

Installation Chaplain Col. Barry Bowden offered a prayer for the outgoing command team.

“Indeed they have fought the good fight, they have run their race, they have flown in their formations and have now finished their course,” he said. “Grant them the delights of their successes.”

Packett will relinquish command of the USAACE and Fort Rucker to Brig. Gen. James O. Barclay III and retire during a ceremony tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m. on Howze Field.

The Packetts will make their retirement home in Florida in a “beach place in the sun” where they hope to enjoy many “glorious sunrises.”