New commander assumes authority at depot

This story was published Fri, Jul 16, 1999

By Theresa Goffredo
Herald Oregon bureau

HERMISTON - In military tradition, the "colors" or a unit's flag gave soldiers a focal point to rally behind in battle.

On Thursday, Lt. Col. Thomas Woloszyn grasped the flag of the Umatilla Chemical Depot in the pageantry of the "passing of the colors" ceremony that symbolizes his takeover of command, just as another battle, of sorts, surrounding the depot's incinerator continues.

The 40-year-old Woloszyn assumes authority and accountability for the depot as a handful of environmental groups and local residents continue their lawsuit in the state Court of Appeals to stop the burning of 3,717 tons of lethal nerve agent stored near Hermiston.

And Woloszyn takes over as the date to start testing the incinerator - more than 50 percent built - becomes more of a moving target. Outgoing commander Martin Jacoby has said that design changes to the project could push the start-up date for trial burns past October 2001.

"We won't rush the schedule," said Woloszyn, standing tall and straight before a bevy of television cameras. "Deadlines are not so major as having it done right."

Asked how it felt to take over command of what at times can be a controversial post, Woloszyn replied: "Overwhelming. ... It's a big responsibility, but we're excited to be here."

Woloszyn moved from Fort Bragg, N.C., with his wife, Karen, and two sons Christopher, 14, and John, 10. He has a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and a master's in analytical chemistry from Pennsylvania State University. A master parachutist, Woloszyn has had several military assignments, including a tour of Germany, before resuming command of the depot.

In time-honored tradition, former commander Jacoby passed the colors to Woloszyn as the 234th Army Oregon National Guard Band from Salem played the National Anthem. The dignitaries and Army officials sat in solemn silence on a windless and bright day as flowers were presented to Jacoby's wife, Maria, and daughter, Allegra, and also to Karen Woloszyn.

Jacoby, who has commanded Umatilla since August 1997, was honored during the ceremony as the "best commander" in the Army's Biological Chemical Command by Maj. Gen. John C. Doesburg.

"He was my best leader," Doesburg said. "Someone who could manage change and take a mission and work in that environment."

In parting comments, Jacoby remembered - not fondly - his interview with 60 Minutes, saying, "It wasn't a highlight but a significant emotional event that I don't want to repeat again very soon."

Jacoby also recalled that Umatilla's binary weapons stockpile was successfully destroyed during his tenure - three months ahead of schedule and "not so much as a single scratch" on anyone involved in that program.

Jacoby also thanked his staff and his family.

"I give thanks to Maria for being our guiding light," Jacoby said, trying to clear his throat as his voice cracked with emotion. "And Allegra, thank you for being my loving daughter when there were times I really didn't deserve it."

The 44-year-old Jacoby and his family leave for the Pentagon. But at the ceremony's end and just before existing the podium, Jacoby turned to Woloszyn, shook his hand and said: "Good luck."

 

Copyright 2002 Tri-City Herald. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.