Fort Meade's New Garrison Commander Takes Over

FORT MEADE, MD — Fort Meade has a new garrison commander as of Thursday morning, when the colors were passed from outgoing commander Col. Brian Foley to new Fort George G. Meade Commander, Col. Thomas Rickard.

The head of Maryland’s largest military installation, Rickard has served three deployments in Afghanistan, most recently as director of information operations for the support mission there.

Rickard holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech; a master’s degree in human resources from Central Michigan University; and a master’s degree in joint campaign planning and strategy from National Defense University, the fort said in a statement.

The Fort Meade garrison recently gathered at an annual barbecue to thank former Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley, who relinquished command Wednesday after a three-year tenure.

Deputy Garrison Commander John Moeller presided over the presentation of gifts, which included a print of Pablo Picasso's 1955 sketch of Don Quixote; a certificate for a commemorative brick in Constitution Park; a mock page of Soundoff! newspaper; paintings of garrison headquarters and the Post Chapel; and framed photographs of the commander and his family.

“It's been the greatest honor and privilege of my career to serve at this place,” Foley said.

He will assume a new role at the Pentagon.

»Photo from Fort Meade website