2ID welcomes Maj. Gen. Theodore "Ted" D. Martin to Warrior Country

By Sgt. Neysa Canfied (2d ID)April 24, 2015

2ID welcomes Maj. Gen. Theodore "Ted" D. Martin to Warrior Country
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Theodore "Ted" D. Martin, the commanding general for the 2nd Infantry Division, holds the Division colors to signify the assumption of command during the Change of Command ceremony at the Indianhead Field at Camp Casey, South Korea, April 2... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2ID welcomes Maj. Gen. Theodore "Ted" D. Martin to Warrior Country
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2ID welcomes Maj. Gen. Theodore "Ted" D. Martin to Warrior Country
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption –
(From left to right) Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew J. Spano, Maj. Gen. Theodore "Ted" D. Martin, Brig. Gen. Clay M. Hutmacher, and Col. Michael F. Pappal stand in front of the Soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division during the Change of Command ceremony at... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea (April 24, 2015) -- Maj. Gen. Theodore "Ted" D. Martin assumes as the 2nd Infantry Division commanding general from Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal. Vandal served as the commanding general for the 2nd Inf. Div. for 22 months.

The 2nd Inf. Div. hosted the change of command ceremony at the Indianhead Field at Camp Casey, South Korea, April 24.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to have served in this storied and proud Division at such a significant time of transformation in its history," said Vandal. "In so many ways, it has been the highlight of my military career as we took on many challenges and opportunities."

During his time in command Vandal carried out the initial establishment for the Combined Division; employed the first combined arms and aviation rotational battalions to serve on the Korean peninsula; and established the "Think Twice" Campaign, which focuses on emphasizing responsible behavior among Soldiers in the Division, among other things.

"To the Soldiers of the 2nd Inf. Div., you are proud professionals and I am honored to have served as your commanding general," said Vandal. "I thank you for your service and sacrifice."

Vandal also added that this July will be the 50th Anniversary of the 2nd Inf. Div.'s continued service on the Korean peninsula. "The friendship and mutual sacrifice is what makes this Alliance so great," added Vandal.

Although the Vandal family will be leaving Warrior Country, they will not be too far away. Vandal will be assuming duties as the assistant chief of staff, C-3/J-3, at United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea.

Before assuming command of the 2nd Inf. Div. Martin served as the commanding general for the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

Martin's family military heritage goes back more than ten generations.

Martin said that as little boys he and his three brothers wanted to grow up to be just like their father: a Soldier who had experience serving in Korea. "Today the dream becomes a reality, as I now have the honor to serve where he once fought during the Korean War," added Martin.

Martin, a West Point alumnus, holds a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College, and a Master's Degree in Business from Webster University.

Martin's awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with two oak leaf clusters), Bronze Star Medal (with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (with six oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (with five oak leaf clusters), the Combat Action Badge and Parachutist Badge. Martin is also a proud member of the 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment.

"I am humbled to serve as your commander," said Martin. "To my comrades in the ROK Army… I am proud to serve beside you. To my new Korean neighbors… I will cherish your friendship and look forward to the time we will spend together in the months and years ahead."