Army general, War Memorial supporter, relinquishes command in Michigan
For Darren Werner, his assignment as commanding general at an Army installation has been the best job of his military career.
The two-star Army general, who attended this year’s Red, White & Blue gala at The War Memorial, and the dedication ceremony for Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge in May, wraps up his time as commanding general of U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, today. Werner began his role at TACOM in June 2020, then with the rank of brigadier general. TACOM LCMC is the only active-duty U.S. Army installation in Michigan. The command employs some 20,000 people and oversees a $30 billion budget annually. TACOM consists of manufacturing arsenals and maintenance depots in six states, with its logistical reach extending worldwide.
“This has been by far the best job I’ve had the opportunity to do in the Army,” the 55-year-old Werner said. “The impact it has not only on the people around you, but across the whole Army, the impact we have. This is a significant position that has oversight of billions of dollars and that money is translated into materials for soldiers.”
The Change of Command ceremony is today, with Brig. Gen. Michael B. Lalor taking command of the installation. Werner’s next assignment is serving as the deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations, U.S. Army Materiel Command at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.
Born in Marlette, Werner grew up in the Tuscola County village of Mayville.
“When I lived in Mayville, it was a little bigger and there were a lot of families there,” he said. “There was a department store on one corner and a gas station on the other. In the basement of the department store was an arcade and ice cream place on the side. All the little league teams would come and get ice cream.”
Werner, who attended a Coast Guard Change of Command ceremony at The War Memorial in June, explained that TACOM’s principle mission is ensuring that soldiers in the field have everything they need to fight a war.
“We’ve proven our skills in support of Ukraine,” he said, referencing the War in Ukraine. “We’ve demonstrated how we would support our forces in combat. We do it based on a tempo that is consistent with what the Executive Branch directs and Congress allows. We have the ability to quickly respond.”
Werner noted that the TACOM staff is able to identify, move and prepare and deliver equipment as necessary to allies in a matter of days.
“We were able to provide training tanks for Ukrainian soldiers,” he said. “Since Russia invaded Ukraine, we’ve been supporting it by providing equipment - artillery systems to humvees, rifles and uniforms.”
In response to what his favorite part of being commanding general at TACOM was, Darren Werner said he’s a big fan of being back in Michigan and being around people who have similar beliefs and ideas because this is where he grew up.
“On a professional side, our organization across the board has gotten through COVID, has transitioned into this new space post-COVID, developed new strategies using new technologies and new ideas, we’ve developed a training and development program that enables our workforce to continue to grow through academic courses and seminars.”
His parting message for the TACOM and Michigan community is that the future of Michigan couldn’t be better.
“What I see in this state in growth and the way it’s moving is such a positive direction,” he said. “TACOM fortunately will be part of that future. I’m excited that this organization will benefit from a state that has a strategic vision for what the future is. TACOM is growing as well and its future continues to get brighter and brighter.”
Werner served two tours in Iraq, the first being in 2003 with the 4th Infantry Division. He also holds master’s degrees in human resources development from Webster University and national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He’s also completed four general officer level Army senior leader education programs.
Some of Werner’s past involvement at The War Memorial includes speaking at a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs fundraiser at the Fred M. Alger Center in June, and at the Our Community Salutes ceremony in 2021.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, is an experiential space open to everyone from everywhere. For more than 70 years, it has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center. Its unique environment attracts more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually while offering premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings. Its diverse lineup of innovative programming includes live and virtual engagement experiences for adults and children. At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended those ideas with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. Numerous patriotic and veterans’ events are held as well as history and civics offerings on the origin, traditions, and challenges facing American democracy. The War Memorial remains committed to serving the community as a unique, dynamic, and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Manager of Communications
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org