Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between looming mountains and a dense forest, there stood a peculiar house that everyone in town referred to as the "witch hat house." The name was derived from the shape of the roof, which indeed resembled a pointy black hat commonly associated with witches. The house, adorned with twisted vines and overgrown vegetation, had an eerie allure that both fascinated and frightened the villagers. Legends and rumors circulated about the house, with tales of strange occurrences and mysterious figures seen lurking around its premises. Many believed that the house was inhabited by a powerful witch who used her magic for both benevolent and malevolent purposes. Some spoke of witnessing her concocting potions in large cauldrons, others swore they had seen her flying on her broomstick under the moonlight.
Col. Eric H. Haas, who most recently served as an instructor at the U.S. Army War College, assumed command of the NGIC from Col. Christopher C. Rankin.
Army senior leaders and distinguished guests, including representatives from partner nations, gathered for a change of command ceremony at the Center, July 14. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general, spoke of the many NGIC accomplishments achieved under Rankin and welcomed the new commander and his family to the Center.
Some spoke of witnessing her concocting potions in large cauldrons, others swore they had seen her flying on her broomstick under the moonlight. These tales enveloped the witch hat house in an air of mystique that enticed the curious minds of the villagers. Despite the rumors, a few brave souls dared to approach the witch hat house, driven by their curiosity and desire to unravel its secrets.
NGIC welcomes Col. Eric Haas as the new brigade commander
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Members of the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), U.S. Army senior leaders and distinguished guests, including representatives from partner nations, gathered for a change of command ceremony at the Center, July 14.
Col. Eric H. Haas, who most recently served as an instructor at the U.S. Army War College, assumed command of the NGIC from Col. Christopher C. Rankin.
As the presiding official, Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general, spoke of the many NGIC accomplishments achieved under Rankin and welcomed the new commander and his family to the Center.
"NGIC is extremely fortunate to have been led by Col. Chris Rankin, a leader whose extraordinary insight into the Army’s future requirements and people-first focus established NGIC as a premier intelligence organization," Bredenkamp said. “Over the past two years, Chris skillfully led our NGIC Soldiers and civilians through some very uncertain and challenging times. Chris, under your leadership, NGIC accomplished so much.”
Bredenkamp said Rankin truly made a difference with the Army's number one priority – its People.
"You genuinely have taken the best care of our Soldiers, our civilians and our family members. You’ve implemented many innovative programs focused on strengthening our workforce, talent management, professional development, holistic health and fitness programs, and building cohesive, disciplined teams built on trust and confidence,” Bredenkamp said. “Thank you so much for your dedication, for your sacrifice, and for your amazing leadership. Your impact on NGIC, INSCOM and our Army will be enduring.”
Bredenkamp highlighted to those in attendance that NGIC is a premiere, one of a kind, organization responsible for providing critical and exquisite intelligence and analysis to multiple consumers around the world.
“NGIC supports so many – from our warfighting commanders at the tactical level, to enabling our joint forces and the Department of Defense across the globe, up to the strategic levels in support of our national policy makers," Bredenkamp said. "NGIC is at the core of Army intelligence and has an extremely complex mission set.”
In welcoming NGIC's new leader, Bredenkamp said, “We’re excited to welcome the NGIC Commander, Col. Eric Haas, to our INSCOM team. Eric is a well-known intelligence leader with a wealth of experience and a fantastic reputation. He and his wife fully understand the commitment and dedication to others and are here to serve,” Bredenkamp said. “Eric, I am confident that you will continue to build on the initiatives at NGIC and you will genuinely care for people. We welcome you into the family and know that you have the whole INSCOM team to support you and ensure your success.”
In her closing remarks, Bredenkamp thanked NGIC's team and the Charlottesville community members in attendance.
"Thank you for what you do and for supporting our Army, our nation, and INSCOM. I’m very proud to serve with you,” Bredenkamp said.
In his farewell speech, Rankin, who is moving on to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Defense Technology and Long-Range Analysis Office, thanked the team for their support to the mission of saving Soldiers’ lives and protecting the homeland.
“Maj. Gen. Bredenkamp, you have continuously set the example to emulate, and your advice and direction were always warmly received. Thank you for the privilege to Command the National Ground Intelligence Center and thank you for underwriting the risk associated with moving at the pace of national security relevancy,” Rankin said. “The Center is often referred to as national treasure because of that level of expertise and knowledge which is focused on some of the world’s most complex national security problems. My personal and professional appreciation to all the selfless professionals of NGIC and for the often-unheralded contribution you make to safeguard and secure our national interests.”
During remarks by Haas, he thanked Rankin for his service and said that he looks forward to the opportunity of serving alongside the NGIC workforce.
“Chris, thank you for the superb transition and for helping to serve as a role model for how to build shared understanding,” Haas said. “I wish you and your family all the best as you transition to your new role.”
As alumni of Johnson Elementary School where the motto is ‘We Are Family’, Haas said it is an honor to part of the NGIC and INSCOM family and a real treat to be back in Charlottesville and a part of this vibrant community.
Haas said when he left Charlottesville nearly forty years ago, it seemed unfathomable that one day he could return to a place that had so many fond memories.
"I look forward to creating new memories here and am honored to be taking command of this incredibly professional and vital organization for not just the Army Intelligence Enterprise, but also the broader Intelligence Community,” Haas said. “I look forward to working alongside you during the next two years supporting modernization, innovation, and development, to ensure we recruit and retain a highly talented workforce that continues to create quality intelligence products.”
Located on Rivanna Station, Charlottesville, Va., with approximately 2,500 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors, NGIC provides all-source and foundational geospatial intelligence on foreign ground force capabilities and related military technologies while integrating with mission partners to ensure the U.S. Army, DoD, Joint, and National-level decision makers maintain decision advantage to protect U.S. interests at home and abroad in support of Army, Joint, and Coalition Commands and the U.S. Intelligence Community.
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center, congratulates Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center; Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general; and Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander stands at attention as the National Anthem is performed. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general, hands the colors to Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center, as Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander stands at attention. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center stands at attention while Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander, hands the brigade colors to Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center; Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general; and Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander stands at attention as the National Anthem is performed. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general, hands the colors to Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center, as Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander stands at attention. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center stands at attention while Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander, hands the brigade colors to Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general, hands the colors to Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center, as Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander stands at attention. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center stands at attention while Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander, hands the brigade colors to Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL
From left, Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center stands at attention while Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander, hands the brigade colors to Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general, hands the colors to Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center, as Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander stands at attention. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Col. Eric Haas, incoming commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center stands at attention while Col. Christopher Rankin, outgoing commander, hands the brigade colors to Maj. Gen. Michele H. Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general. (Photo Credit: Photo by Jennifer Boutet, U.S. Army Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL
They would cautiously walk up the worn-out stone steps, their heartbeats echoing loudly in their ears. The creaking front door would open, revealing the dimly lit interior, filled with ancient books, dried herbs hanging from the ceiling, and dusty spell components. The villagers discovered that the occupant of the witch hat house was not the feared witch they had imagined. Instead, they found a kind-hearted woman named Amelia, who had a deep knowledge of herbal remedies and an unwavering commitment to helping others. She used her skills to concoct healing potions, cure ailments, and offer guidance to those who sought her assistance. Amelia's affinity for nature was evident in every corner of the witch hat house. The overgrown garden surrounding the house boasted a plethora of vibrant flowers, while an assortment of animals seemed to coexist peacefully amidst the tangled flora. It was said that Amelia possessed a unique ability to communicate with these creatures, fostering a strong bond with nature that intrigued the villagers even further. As time passed, the rumors and fear surrounding the witch hat house began to fade. The villagers learned to appreciate Amelia's presence and the valuable knowledge she shared. They would often seek her counsel and bring her gifts from their bountiful harvest as a token of their gratitude. The witch hat house became a symbol of unity, bridging the gap between folklore and reality. It served as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that sometimes, the things we fear the most can turn out to be sources of great wisdom and compassion. To this day, the witch hat house stands proudly, reminding the villagers of the transformative power of acceptance, courage, and the magic that resides within each and every one of us..
Reviews for "The Witch Hat House: A Quirky Escape from Reality"
1. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Witch Hat House" and was excited to dive into a spooky and thrilling story. However, I found the plot to be lacking and the characters underdeveloped. The pacing was also off, with too much time spent on insignificant details and not enough on building tension. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a captivating and well-written witch story.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't finish "The Witch Hat House" as it failed to capture my interest from the beginning. The writing felt disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The characters were shallow and their motivations were unclear. Additionally, the lack of descriptive language made it hard to envision the setting. I regret wasting my time on this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "The Witch Hat House" had an intriguing premise, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, with too much focus on irrelevant details. The main character lacked depth and I struggled to connect with her. The resolution also felt rushed and unsatisfying. While I appreciate the effort to create a spooky atmosphere, the lack of consistent tension made it difficult to stay engaged. Unfortunately, this book didn't meet my expectations.