Retiring Redstone Commander James Myles names three as Team Redstone “Good Neighbors”

(From release) In one of his last acts as an active-duty Soldier, Maj. Gen. James R. Myles named three area residents as the first Team Redstone "Good Neighbors" today.

"We don't do things alone in our Army," Myles said. "There are great people who help us find a way to take care of Soldiers, their families, and make a difference in the community. The Good Neighbor program is a way for us to recognize those people."

Myles named William L. Halsey, Jr. as the first "Good Neighbor." Halsey has played an integral role in the success of Redstone Arsenal. He has known every commander to have served at Redstone. In the 1960s, Halsey fought for Soldiers of every race to have equal access to housing, schools, restrooms, and night clubs. In addition to helping Soldiers, Halsey also helped start the Army Community Relations Committee. This committee is largely responsible for the strong ties that Redstone Arsenal has with the community.

Myles also recognized Tom G. Thrasher, who died in 1999, for his work early on at Redstone. Thrasher worked with Halsey to ensure all Soldiers had equal opportunities outside the gates of Redstone. Thrasher also had been with the Army Community Relations Committee since its inception.

The final inductee for 2010 was Joe H. Ritch. Ritch was honored for his efforts as the Chairman of the Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee. Ritch fought for organizations to move to Redstone and greatly contributed to the success of the 1995 and 2005 BRAC rounds. "I can't think of a better place to institute the Good Neighbor program than right here in the Tennessee Valley," Myles said. The Good Neighbor program started at Fort Carson in 1978 and has been initiated at other installations including Fort Hood.

Pictures of the Team Redstone Good Neighbors will be hung on a wall of honor in the Redstone Officers' and Civilians' Club.