For Maj. Gen. Mark Stammer, leadership is based on inspiration.

"I hope to inspire those I serve with by my actions and words," he said shortly after his Welcoming Ceremony as Joint Base Lewis-McChord's newest deputy commanding general.

The traditional military ceremony was held on Tuesday morning in front of I Corps Headquarters.

"Leadership is to inspire."

Enlisting in 1982, Stammer served for three years before leaving the Army to attend college. Upon graduation from the University of Houston, he received his commission as an infantry officer.

Opportunities and challenges followed as he served his way in company, battalion, brigade and staff commands.

Not surprisingly, Stammer deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan; Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq; and Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa, Djibouti.

Along the way, Stammer's performance - the results he got - was duly noted.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, commanding general, I Corps, commented on Stammer's record during his brief introductory remarks.

"I have a short story to tell you about Mark," began Lanza.

"I was at a meeting not long ago, and I heard him say, ‘No one goes to a circus to see a clown juggle one ball.'"

Lanza added that he had never heard that saying before and that Stammer is a warrior who has and will continue to confront the various and changing challenges facing I Corps and the country in the near future.  

He added that Stammer is a "change agent" and that he understands what it takes to win in confronting the global challenges facing this country.

"It is about performance, and Mark Stammer is all about performance," concluded Lanza.

A few minutes later, the very personable Stammer and his wife, Donna, stood in a reception line as they shook every hand of and talked with every individual who stopped by to wish them well.

At one point, he stooped down and scooped up two little girls and hugged them.

"This is such a welcoming community," Stammer commented, as the last well-wisher walked away."

"As for my goal here, I will give my boss what he needs to put him in an excellent position to ensure I Corps readiness and reliability."