by LaDonna Davis
Southwestern Division Public Affairs
DALLAS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division hosted a Relinquishment of Command, today at the City Club in Dallas.
Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Kula relinquished command to Col. Richard Muraski Jr. during the traditional military ceremony. Muraski had previously served as the Division’s deputy commander.
Following the relinquishment of command ceremony, Kula retired from the Army after 32 years of service. Hosted by Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the retirement ceremony celebrated Kula’s impressive service record during his years with the military.
“The first time I worked with Tom, I knew that he would go on to do great things,” said Bostick.
While commanding the SWD, Kula is credited with leading the organization through times of fiscal uncertainty and many government upheavals. He developed lasting relationships with port directors of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas Navigation System and was instrumental in getting funding for the Texas Coastal Storm Risk Management and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study which will investigate storm damage reduction and ecosystem restoration alternatives along six counties of the upper Texas coast.
“He showed a deep and abiding commitment for this community and the people,” said Bostick. “His mantra was always ‘relationships matter,’ and he ran this Division with that always in mind.
“We wish you good health, and an abundance of success in the coming years.”
Kula took command of SWD July 2, 2010
“My family and I have lived and served in some amazing places with some amazing people and this region has the finest group of professionals serving the nation,” said Kula. “The Corps provides value to the nation and our people in so many ways; I am very proud to have “rode the brand” for the past 32 years.”
The former paratrooper concluded by saying, “I have a very safe landing on a very friendly drop zone”
Muraski had served as the Deputy Commander of SWD since 2012. He now will serve as the Acting Commander of the Division.
“I am humbled and honored to be able to serve the southwestern community,” said Muraski. “I look forward to working with you all in the future.”
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