The 1st Infantry Division welcomed four new senior leaders during a Victory with Honors ceremony Sept. 19 at division headquarters at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Brig. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, deputy commanding general for maneuver; Brig. Gen. Eric J. Wesley, deputy commanding general for support; Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Graves, deputy commanding general for development; and Col. Kenneth L. Kamper, chief of staff, were welcomed as they officially assumed their new roles within the 1st Inf. Div. command group.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, spoke about the changes the 1st Inf. Div. is facing and the road ahead.
"You joined us at a time when our division is reorganizing, yet at a time when missions are not becoming any easier," Funk said to his incoming officers. "Our troopers, past and present, have been truly battle-proven across the globe through continuous years of fighting. You are the starting point of an incredible journey."
Kurilla most recently served as commanding general of a Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan.
"I am honored and proud to be a part of America's First Division and the 'Big Red One,'" Kurilla said.
Wesley served as the director for Plans, International Security Assistance Force, Joint Command in Afghanistan, before coming back to Fort Riley for his fourth tour. Wesley joked about being stationed at Fort Riley again, but then stated with sincerity, "Often times you will be welcomed back and people will say welcome home and there are few places where it resonates. It resonates right here at Fort Riley, Kansas."
Graves, who spoke last at the ceremony, served as the executive officer to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe in Mons, Belgium.
"After 28 years, now I can finally say that I am a Big Red One Soldier," Graves said.
Kamper did not speak at the ceremony, but was recognized by Funk in his opening remarks.
"We served together in Iraq and I have no doubt he will serve exceptionally well as our chief of staff," Funk said.
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