Col. Blixt takes command of Fort Belvoir

By Julia LeDoux

Published: July 2, 2008

Fort Belvoir has a new leader.

Col. Jerry L. Blixt took command of the Fairfax County Army installation from Col. Brian W. Lauritzen during a ceremony Wednesday morning.

“Today is another great day in the history of the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Belvoir, because you saw the garrison flag and the responsibility that goes with it pass from Col. Lauritzen, who has done an exceptional job for the Army, to the new commander, Col. Blixt,” said ceremony host Brig. Gen. Dennis E. Rogers, director National Capital Region District U.S. Army Installation Management Command.

Blixt, a native of Galesburg, Ill., holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in national security strategy from the National Defense University. In addition, he is a graduate of the National War College. Blixt and his wife, Debra, have three children, Chris, JB and Nicole.

“Debbie and I and our family are honored to be with you today,” he said. “We have great reverence for these soldiers and civilians, this post and the surrounding communities for what they mean to our Army and nation.”

Blixt’s military awards and qualifications include the Defense Superior Service Medal; Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters; the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster; the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster; the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters; and the Iraq Campaign Medal with star. He is authorized to wear the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge and Parachutist Badge. He is also the recipient of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s William F. Lackman Jr. Award.

Speaking directly to Blixt, Rogers said, “I know you’ll be responsive to the concerns of those who live and work here. As we talked, this will be a challenging mission, but I know you’ll handle it with the skill, enthusiasm and professionalism that has been the hallmark of your career.”

Lauritzen joked that some of those attending the change of command ceremony, which also doubled as his retirement ceremony from the Army, showed up to see a “grown man cry.” Becoming serious and in a voice that was at times was choked with emotion, he thanked his loved ones for their steadfast love and support throughout his 26-year Army career.

“Today, I publicly thank my wife and family for their tremendous contributions to me, our Army and our nation. I love you guys,” he said.

Lauritzen also singled out for praise those he has served with over the years, including countless enlisted soldiers, civilian employees of the federal government and government contractors.

“I am truly blessed to have had the honor and privilege of commanding at this installation and among such a fine collection of people,” he said.

Lauritzen took command of Fort Belvoir on July 11, 2005, and his time at the helm of the installation has largely been defined by preparing for the influx of an additional 19,000 personnel and related construction mandated by the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 2005. Rogers said Lauritzen was instrumental in establishing an open line of communication with the public after BRAC became law.

Rogers also noted that Fort Belvoir functions in many ways like a small city, with its own ordinances, land use plan, building codes, utilities, public parks and academic institutions.

“The undisputed leader of this small city has been Brian Lauritzen,” Rogers continued. “During his three years in command, he oversaw the continued progress of Belvoir’s future, which included a near doubling of the installation’s population and a dramatic increase in its scope of missions, a military construction program of more than $4 billion in new facilities and a reinvigorated long-term master plan for the future of Fort Belvoir over the next 30 years. His tenure has been marked with vision, creativity and trailblazing results.”

Lauritzen, his wife Anne, and their children Daniel and Kristen are moving to their home in Carlisle, Pa.