Fort Campbell, KY. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Fort Campbell, said goodbye to U.S. Army Garrison Fort Campbell Commander, Colonel James R. Salome in two ceremonies Friday on Post. The first was a retirement ceremony for Salome after 23 years of service in the Army. The second ceremony was a Change of Command as Salome passed command of the garrison over to Colonel Joseph P. Kuchan.
During the retirement ceremony Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Major General Andrew Poppas talked about Salome’s service at Fort Campbell. “Rob Salome is the face of Fort Campbell, he’s earned it and he deserves our respect. So we look at the culmination of his career and everything that he’s accomplished. I’m glad he’s retiring here at Fort Campbell,” said Poppas.
General Poppas presented Colonel Salome with the Legion of Merit and an American flag and for his dedicated service to the U.S. Army, along with a certificate of retirement. Colonel Salome’s wife Patricia was also presented with the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and a certificate of appreciation for her support of her husband. Certificates were also presented to Colonel Salome’s two daughters, Marcella and Marianna, for their support of their father during his military career. Salome and his family will reside in the Fort Campbell area.
During the second ceremony, Colonel Joseph P. Kuchan took command of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Campbell. Kuchan has served in a variety of command and staff positions in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division, and has deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
