Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark Milley, outgoing Army Materiel Command leader Gen. Dennis Via and incoming AMC boss Gen. Gustave Perna salute the colors during AMC's change-of-command ceremony Sept. 30 at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
Photo Credit: Sgt. Eben Boothby/Army
The driving force and motivation of my career has always been people. From my start as a ROTC cadet learning basic leadership skills to having led a multibillion-dollar global logistics organization, I have learned – and know firsthand – that the Army’s most valuable asset is, and always will be, our soldiers and their families. Serving our nation with some of the finest men and women from across America has been a remarkable privilege. I have had the honor of serving under and next to, and leading, extraordinary Americans from all walks of life who dedicated their very lives to defending the freedoms we hold dear while displaying our Army values of loyalty, duty, integrity, and selfless service in their truest forms. I am honored to have known and served in the ranks of these great patriots.
The Army provided an open door for me to see the world, along with opportunities and experiences that I never imagined possible. I served in units across the U.S. and abroad, and was afforded the opportunity to command from first lieutenant to general, culminating with command of an extraordinary organization that ensures our Army remains the best-equipped fighting force in the world.
As the commanding general of Army Materiel Command, I was continually impressed by the daily worldwide accomplishments of this phenomenal organization and its people. AMC’s dedicated global workforce – 64,000 strong – continues to provide readiness to the joint war-fighter in a complex, dangerous and ever-changing world. Regardless of the mission, task or location, AMC consistently provided our soldiers and units with the advanced equipment and materiel solutions required to successfully accomplish their mission.
Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to achieve and celebrate numerous accomplishments, the greatest of these being my family. My wonderful and supportive wife, Linda, has walked side-by-side with me every step of the way – from affixing my second lieutenant epaulettes at my commissioning to pinning my fourth star – and two incredible sons who are growing into exceptional young men. My family, including my extended Army family, is the foundation that has sustained me through every challenge, obstacle, decision, disappointment, and difficulty that I faced, and served as the anchor that held and guided me through the storms of Army life.
I was also fortunate to serve with great Army leaders who mentored, coached and inspired me through their personal and professional example. It was upon their shoulders that I was able to stand and succeed far beyond what I ever thought possible.
As I prepare to depart our Army ranks and transition to this next stage in life, I’m thankful for the thousands of soldiers whom I’ve been privileged to lead, the units and organizations that I’ve been honored to serve with, and for a wonderful family who have supported me unconditionally. Most of all, I’m thankful to the United States Army for providing me the opportunity of a lifetime, for entrusting me to lead America’s most precious resource – its sons and daughters, and for the honor and the privilege to serve.
Army Strong!
Gen. Dennis L. Via stepped down as head of Army Materiel Command on Sept. 30.
