FORT SILL, Okla. (April 21, 2016) -- Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Andrew Bassford became the 20th commander of the 95th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), headquartered at the Armed Forces Reserve Center here April 16.
Bassford took command from Brig. Gen. Daniel Christian, who served as the 95th's commander since December 2013. Maj. Gen. Mark McQueen, 108th Training Command (IET) commander, presided over the change of command ceremony at the 95th Adjutant General Battalion.
"Thank you to [Brig. Gen.] Christian for leaving me an organization that is strong, healthy and ready to go," Bassford stated as he took the stage to address his new command. "I am very grateful to follow him."
Bassford joins the 95th following his tour as the 88th Regional Support Command deputy commanding general at Fort McCoy, Wis.
"He is well-seasoned at the heel craft of current mission set of the 95th Division, having commanded at the battalion and brigade levels within the 108th Training Command," said McQueen of Bassford.
The incoming commander has served in a variety of roles during his 30-year military career to include brigade commander of 2nd Brigade, 98th Division (IET) a unit within the 108th TC (IET) footprint. Bassford also was the assistant commander for support and the chief of staff for the 108th from 2011-2013.
"In both his military and civilian careers, [Brig. Gen.] Bassford is one who stands up for what's right," said McQueen.
Bassford is a graduate of the Army War College, the Jumpmaster Course, the Command and General Staff College, the Inspector General's Course and the University of Virginia, School of Law. In his civilian career the general serves as a federal prosecutor in southwestern Virginia.
"It's hard to believe it's been 28 months," recalled Christian during his farewell speech. "These 28 months have been simply without question the best experiences I have had in my military career."
He has served in a variety of assignments since commissioning in the Engineer Corps from the Niagara University ROTC program in 1983. Christian's military career also reaches beyond 30 years.
His previous assignments include positions as a battalion commander, brigade commander, deputy chief of staff, and executive officer within the 98th TD.
"As I stand here today, I am reminded of my days as a second lieutenant so many years ago," said Christian as he addressed his oldest son, 1st Lt. Andrew Christian, an Army reservist who attended the ceremony.
The outgoing commander also thanked his youngest son, Brian, and his wife, Donna, for their support and urged those in attendance to thank their loved ones at home as well.
"Thank you for your leadership and sacrifice to the 95th Division and the 108th Training Command," said McQueen.
Christian will become the deputy commanding general of the 412th Theater Engineer Command at Vicksburg, Miss.
"Through it all and every step of the way his wife Donna was supporting him and encouraging him and the families of the division, and I acknowledge that it is a team effort to make this happen," said McQueen concluding his remarks at the ceremony, "so, to Dan and Donna you've both done well."
Social Sharing