FORT HOOD, Texas -- First Army Division West said farewell to its sixth commanding general in a relinquishment of command ceremony on Cameron Field near Division West headquarters here Dec. 4.
Maj. Gen. Warren E. Phipps Jr., and his wife, Sylvia, leave the Division West team after successfully leading it since January 2013.
"Warren, your skillful leadership during the last two years has been absolutely masterful. I just want to personally thank you for a job well-done," said Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, First Army commanding general. "It's important to know that mastering any process entails accomplishing a myriad of routine duties or tasks to the highest of standards, and Warren, and the Longhorns of Division West have done exactly that during his command."
Tucker went on to explain the role of Division West in the total Army, and how it's unique mission aids in the training of the Army National Guard and Reserve components.
The day's ceremony began, as most do, with a formation of Soldiers standing tall and uniform. The ceremony included a presentation of flowers to Sylvia Phipps, a cannon salute, a pass and review of the formation, and the time-honored passing of the Division West colors.
Phipps took to the division's longhorn-adorned podium for the last time, to honor and show gratitude to the leaders, Families and Soldiers he led for the past two years.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Akuna, and his wife, Kim -- I could not ask for a better sergeant major and spouse to be a part of the command team to lead this division," said Phipps. "Sergeant major, you are a Soldier's Soldier and the epitome of a Sergeant Major, and Kim, what a great partner you've been for Sylvia."
Phipps went on to comment about his brigade and division leadership in the formation and throughout the western United States.
"To my brigade commanders and their sergeant majors -- you've been true all-stars," he said. "It's been easy for me to express a vision, and much tougher for you to translate and execute, and I thank you for your standards of excellence.
"I challenged the brigades when I took command to be greater than the sum of our parts. The battalions have moved from one brigade task force to another, and you've done so admirably," Phipps added.
Phipps also spoke on how the strength of the Soldier, is the Families that remain while they train, re-train and deploy. As a division of trainers, coaches and mentors, we collaborate and coordinate to accomplish the mission, and you've done so admirably, said Phipps.
"The National Guard, Reserves and their Families demand the very best and that's what you've given them. I thank you for the personal sacrifice and the pride you take in your missions," he said.
Before closing remarks, Phipps paused to thank his wife and confidant, Sylvia.
"To my girlfriend of 32 years, I fully recognize, truly appreciate and for ever will be grateful for what you've done for the Soldiers and Families of Division West," he said. "You're my sharpest critic but my greatest supporter. Thank you for embracing this journey of our Army life and I love you with all of my heart."
Lastly, Phipps offered up words of adoration for our brothers- and sisters-at-arms and their sacrifices.
"Let's continue to remember them in our thoughts and prayers as they are continually in harm's way each day to preserve our freedoms," said Phipps. "May God for ever keep our nation the land of the free and the home of the brave. First in the West, First in Deed, Army Strong, this is Longhorn 6, signing out."
Phipps will go on to be the senior advisor Afghan Ministry of Defense, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.
Scheduled to replace Phipps during January 2015 is Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, whose most recent assignments include commander, U.S. National Support Element Command-Afghanistan, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as deputy commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Division West, a subordinate unit of First Army, trains and validates Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers for deployment to combat or other contingency operations. The division also trains units of the active Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and United States partner nations, for a total of nearly 40,000 service members every year.
Division West's eight subordinate training brigades are the 120th Infantry, 479th Field Artillery and 166th Aviation Brigades at Fort Hood, Texas; the 181st Infantry Brigade at Fort McCoy, Wis.; the 189th and 191st Infantry Brigades at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; and the 402nd Field Artillery and 5th Armored Brigades at Fort Bliss, Texas.
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