Col. Michael Runey: The last commander of the US Army in Lower Franconia is leaving
It took the US Army barely an hour to say its goodbyes in a special ceremony on 22 May 2013. Because of yesterday’s rain, the ceremony for Col. Michael D. Runey was held at the gym of the Finney Sports Center on Conn Baracks. The ceremony was short, entertaining, humorous, and with a sentimental touch. Col. Runey is returning to Fort Knox, KY in the U.S. after two years in Schweinfurt, Germany.
He is the last military commander of the Armed Forces in Schweinfurt, and Lower Franconia. As a symbol, he turned the garrison’s flag over to Col Kelly J. Lawler, who will be the next commander for the garrisons Schweinfurt, Bamberg, and Ansbach.
Col. Lawler, the first of the two speaker, credited Col Runey for his outstanding performance, which is not easy when there are eight brigades to govern. Col. Runey shared his appreciation for the Team Schweinfurt and also mentioned the challenges and highlights of his time in Schweinfurt.
Before thanking his wife, Christy, and his four children for their support, he also praised the German hospitality, which ranged from attending the famous Honky Tonk Festival to Schlachtschüssel (roast pig feast).
To read the complete Mainpost article in German, visit Thank you, team Schweinfurt
Here are some random photos from my last visit to Schweinfurt.