When Col. Laura Richardson took command of U.S. Army Operational Test Command July 21, she not only took charge of the Army’s only independent operational testing organization, she became the first female commander in the history of USAOTC.

Richardson took command from Brig. Gen. Donald MacWillie, who led USAOTC for two years. His leadership and dedication to the Soldiers, Families and civilians of OTC was lauded by the reviewing officer at the event, Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, commanding general of U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command.

“General MacWillie’s vision, leadership and caring for OTC and its people live up to the motto in ATEC of ‘truth in testing,’” Dellarocco said. “He’s taken care of our ultimate customer and that’s the warfighter.

“His direct leadership and personal involvement in every aspect of operational testing resulted in significant efficiencies through reorganization, realignment, process improvements and better use of resources,” he continued.

Under MacWillie’s command, the eight directorates that make up OTC conducted more than 240 operational tests on equipment and weapons for Soldiers.

He also oversaw the activation of a new OTC test directorate at Fort Bliss.

MacWillie departs Fort Hood to become the deputy commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan.

MacWillie, a Killeen native, thanked a long list of friends, Family members and supporters who have been by his side as he led OTC, and have supported his Family, including wife Sherri, daughter Melyssa-Anne and son 2nd Lt. Kyle MacWillie.

“Central Texas, it was great to come home,” he said. “You welcomed Sherri and me, and we’re going to miss you. I hope you all know we’re going to come back someday.”

MacWillie fondly remembered the duty station as the place he became a general officer, and the growth that came with the promotion.

“This organization and its people made me better,” he said. “You made me a better listener, you made me a better teammate and you made me a better Family man and friend, and I’ll take those friendships with me everywhere I go for the rest of my natural life … you made me a better Soldier.”

MacWillie also praised Richardson and welcomed her as the new commander of OTC.

“I know the long and successful history of the Army’s only operational test organization will continue its legacy of excellence,” he said.

Dellarocco also added his congratulations to Richardson on her new command.

Led by Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, Brig. Gen. Donald MacWillie and Col. Laura Richardson return to the seating area at the USAOTC change of command ceremony, held July 21 at West Fort Hood. Richardson took command from MacWillie as he prepares to depart to Fort Riley, Kan.                     Rachel Parks, Sentinel Staff

“Colonel Richardson, you’ve been selected for command because you’re an outstanding leader,” he said. “I have every faith and confidence that you will distinguish yourself with great service to our nation.”

Richardson arrived at Fort Hood from Washington, D.C., where she served as the Army’s Liaison Officer to the U.S. Senate. Among the crowd at the change of command was her biggest supporter, although he sat thousands of miles away from the actual event.

Her husband, Brig. Gen. Jim Richardson, is currently deployed to Afghanistan as the 1st Cavalry Division’s deputy commander for support. He watched the change of command via a video teleconference.

Richardson took the opportunity to say hello and make sure her husband knew which unit crest was more prominently displayed at their home.

“I just want you to know that I’ve moved all your furniture around in the house since you’ve been gone, and I’ve moved the OTC logo outside the house to be over the 1st Cav. logo,” Richardson said, addressing her husband as the crowd cheered. “So hugs and kisses from Fort Hood.”

After her lighthearted teasing, Richardson thanked MacWillie and the Soldiers, civilians and Family members of OTC.

“Sir, you leave me with a really great organization with such camaraderie and esprit de corps,” she said. “To the OTC team, I am so proud to be your new commander.”