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| Lt. Col. Joe Hoffman (right) accepts the guideon of the 170th MPs from Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, commander of the 78th Troop Command, during a recent change of command ceremony. Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Anthony Abbot (back to camera) looks on. (contributed photo) |
Story by Spc. Amanda Luksic
124th MPAD
Upon becoming the 170th’s next commander, Hoffman leaves his position as a staff and logistics officer for
As Abbott moves on, he becomes commander of Elberton’s 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery.
As did many of those who attended the ceremony, Brigadier Gen. Larry H. Ross, commander 78th Troop Command, praised the two commanders as they assumed their new duties.
“Hoffman is extremely versatile,” Ross continued. “We know that he will continue doing the outstanding job as a leader that he has always done.
“To him, I say, ‘Thank you for all that you do. We know we can expect great things from you and the Soldiers of the 170th MP Battalion.’”
Hoffman said he is looking forward to working with the 170th and continue building it into one of the best battalions in the Georgia Guard.
“I want to get all four MP companies under the battalion’s control,” he said. “I also want to get as many people in as we can. The more we have in our ranks, the more experience that we build on, which gives us more opportunity for success.”
Turning his attention to the outgoing commander, Ross said, “Abbott will be as great a commander with the 214th as he has been with the 170th. He cares about Soldiers and has always recognized their importance to the success of any mission a unit is given.
“That has always been his way,” he added.
Before being allowed to fully say “so long” to the 170th, Abbott received the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal for his time as the battalion’s commander. He also received glass and wood framed unit guidon that contained an engraved plaque displaying his call sign “Spartan 6.”
“I appreciate everyone being here,” Abbott said. “I am proud to be a part of the history this unit (170th MPs) has made, and continues to make, and I cannot take the credit for all this unit has done.”
About his leaving, Abbott said, “Change always occurs. You have to train hard, be fair and take care of Soldiers. Do that, and they will always come through for you.”
Hoffman joined the active Army April 1976, and was a military policeman assigned to an air defense artillery battery, as well as a division and Corp level military police company in
Hoffman joined the Georgia Army Guard in 1982, going to work in his chosen military profession as a law enforcement officer. A year later, he graduated from the Military Institute in Milledgeville.
After his commission as a second lieutenant, he was assigned to the 178th MP Company, which was an element of the 170th MP Battalion.
In 1990, Hoffman took command of the 190th MP Company, and he deployed with them for the first Gulf War. April 1999 found him being reassigned to
In 2002, Hoffman became executive officer for what was then designated the 48th Infantry Brigade. Two years later he moved back to what is now Joint Forces Headquarters in Ellenwood.
In March 2005, Hoffman returned to the 48th as its logistics officer, pending the brigade’s yearlong deployment to
Hoffman is a graduate of the Military Police basic course, advanced course, Infantry qualification course, Combined Arms Service and
Hoffman and his wife Mandy have two daughters.