Anthony N. Kanellis

Anthony Kanellis, serving his last days as commander of the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area before he is assigned elsewhere.

Anthony Kanellis
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Anthony Kanellis, outgoing commander of the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area, returned to his desk to finish last-minute paperwork prior to last week's change of command ceremony that turned the job over to incoming commander, Lt.Col.
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Kanellis is returning to duty in the Pentagon to work on strategic integration for the Army Reserve, a post he held from 1998 to 2003 prior to assuming command at Devens.At that time he was a junior member of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's staff working as assistant director for enlisted education programs.

"I feel outreach is very important," Kanellis said."I enjoyed working on the Devens Museum, the American Legion in Ayer, marching in parades and trying to be a member of the community.And I greatly appreciate the newspaper keeping the military alive in the eyes of the community."

Kanellis is also proud of his work with the Veterans Construction Team, an off-shoot of the Veterans Administration Hospital that provides occupational therapy and helps troubled soldiers readjust to society.

During his tenure, Kanellis supported approximately 30,000 soldiers throughout New England and partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to support homeland security with a new range that allows more than 35 local law enforcement agencies to train on Devens.

He also implemented an organizational restructuring with efficiencies that saved more than $1 million, updated a collective bargaining agreement for the first time in 30 years, and set in motion plans for an urban assault course and improvements to existing buildings and facilities.

"I was always amazed people thought that Devens was closed [as a military base]," he said, "yet training is well supported and firing ranges are open, etc.The 94th Regional Readiness Command's [proposed] leaving is only a small part [of what's here]."

A 25-year Army veteran, Kanellis began his career in the Alabama National Guard after college.A flight school graduate, his assignments have included several aviation companies, the Forces Command (which directs all active Army activity), reserve coordinator at Special Operations Command, Atlanta Command in Norfolk, Va., and recruiting policy analyst at Department of the Army Headquarters.

He is currently attending Army War College and, with his wife and two sons, ages six and three, will live in northern Virginia.

"I would recommend the Army as an option for any high school graduate," he said.
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"Absolutely" proud of his military service, Kanellis said it is hard to pick a single fond memory or his time in New England."It was the whole picture," he said, "the people, the culture, the traditions."

What would he tell his successor?

"There are very good people here," he said.

Anthony N. Kanellis, addresses the crowd at the change of command ceremony held last Thursday.
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Anthony N. Kanellis, commander since July 2003, to Lt.Col.
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Kanellis has been assigned to the Army Reserve Strategic Integration Branch at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Heard, with degrees in civil engineering, has served with the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at the Senior Active Guard Reserves Management Office in St. Louis, Mo since December 2000.

A previous indication of the military's continued presence at the former Fort Devens was the Pentagon's proposal in the current Base Realignment and Closure round to consolidate the biggest tenant at the Devens Reserve enclave, the 94th Regional Readiness Command (RRC), elsewhere in the state while retaining the Devens RFTA as a training area for the New England area.

In her speech, Heard said she is "honored and privileged to be selected" to command the RFTA.She said she knows she has "a good staff" at Devens to work with, one committed to the enclave's mission.

He drew attention by name to many individuals on the staff for special recognition, then went on to name several more from the surrounding community.

The latter have, he said, made him feel "how much New England people support the soldiers and their families" and how many friends of the Devens RFTA live in the area, devoted to help "keeping Devens alive."
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McNeil praised Kanellis for his work to enhance security and build up the training ranges at Devens, reducing operating expenses while providing training for not only Reserve personnel but also for law enforcement officers training for homeland security.

He spoke of Heard as "presenting the capability to lead with vision in the next two years."

McNeil, with Command Sgt.Maj.Albert Davidson, who assisted in the passing of the colors, presented Kanellis with the Meritorious Service Medal with a third oak leaf cluster and the Public Service Award.

Anthony Kanellis, serving his last days as commander of the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area before he is assigned elsewhere.

Tony Kanellis, commander of the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area, and state Rep.
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Kanellis said it was "tremendous to see so many here," referring to the crowd of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, politicians and residents.

"It is hard to reconcile how this [9/11] touched so many people," he said."It is very moving to me and a tribute to your patriotism."

On that day two years ago, he said he was stationed two blocks from the Pentagon when the third terrorist-controlled plane crashed into the building.His wife, six months pregnant, served in the Pentagon.

"We had seen what went on and evacuated," Kanellis said.
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"He wanted to be a dad," Kanellis said.

Anthony Kanellis, commander of the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area.

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