FORT KNOX, Ky. –
U.S. Army Recruiting Command held a ceremony to transition its deputy commanding officer during a ceremony here June 4.
Col. John M. Cushing is now the USAREC deputy commanding officer for operations, replacing Brig. Gen. Patrick Michaelis, who has been in the position since June 2019 and is set to become the commanding general for the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson in South Carolina.
Cushing most recently served as the deputy commander of support for the 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, Georgia. He comes to Fort Knox with previous USAREC experience, having served as the 1st Recruiting Brigade commander from April 2019 to June 2020.
The deputy commanding officer assists the commanding general in the training, maintenance and sustainment of more than 14,000 Soldiers and civilians in support of the Army and U.S. Army Reserve recruiting mission in the United States, its territories, and outside the continental United States.
“There is so much activity here that builds the Army,” Cushing said. “I’m proud to be back inside USAREC. This is my fourth assignment here (at Fort Knox); fifth if you count being born here. I’m looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and doing everything in my power to assist this mission.”
In parting, Michaelis told the team he has been honored to serve in a leadership role at USAREC and call himself an Army recruiter.
“The last two years have been exciting and humbling,” Michaelis said. “Recruiting is an interesting mission; it’s a complex business, and one of the most broadening assignments our Army offers.”
He thanked the officers, noncommissioned officers and civilian workforce for their dedication and hard work during one of the most challenging times the nation and the Army has seen.
“I know this formation will continue to adapt under the leadership of two warriors: Maj. Gen. Vereen and Command Sgt. Maj. Foley,” Michaelis said.
Vereen, commanding general of USAREC and ceremony host said Michaelis has been a strong and effective deputy commanding general for the past two years.
“As the former 2nd Brigade commander, he was a perfect fit for the duties here,” Vereen said. “He was instrumental to navigating the command through the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on recruiting. His leading the charge for Army National Hiring Days ensured we met our mission in 2020, and his guidance on Autonomous Recruiting Operations ensures our way forward as we staff a 21st century Army. Thank you for your leadership and vision, Pat.”