CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- The 2nd Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment became the first 2nd Infantry Division unit to relocate here as part of the Transformation of U.S. Forces in Korea.
The cavalry Soldiers are assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. They are serving a nine-month rotation in Korea.
During a brief uncasing ceremony marking the move, 2nd Infantry Division commanding general Maj. Gen. Theodore D. Martin said the day many thought would never come had arrived.
"Many thought this day would never come to pass but folks, I'm here to tell you that the 2nd Infantry Division is on the move," he said. "We've now achieved unstoppable momentum and over the next 18 months you will observe the United States Army in Action."
Martin said he chose the 2-8th Cavalry as the first unit to move to Humphreys because, more than any other unit in the division, it has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deal successfully with change and uncertainty.
"The Proud Troopers from the world-famous 1st Cavalry Division, who are on rotation to Korea, serve as the vanguard for the force who will eventually arrive and call Camp Humphreys home," Martin said. "The Stallions of 2-8 Cav have led the division in every training event since their arrival in Korea. They are combat ready in every respect and are just the right unit to plant their flag here at Camp Humphreys."
Martin thanked USAG Humphreys commander Col. Joseph C. Holland, stationing analyst Luis Rosa Sgt. 1st Class Ian B. Parker of the Humphreys Directorate of Emergency Services and Min Chung, an engineer at the Humphreys Directorate of Public Works for their support throughout their move.
"I want to personally thank the garrison commander, Col. Joe Holland, who set the conditions for our move, we could not have done this without his inspired leadership," Martin said. "Also from USAG Humphreys, Mr. Luis Rosa was responsible for reception and integration, Sgt. 1st Class Parker and DES for their support to convoy operations and Mr. Min Chung of DPW who tirelessly worked to ensure 2-8 Cav facilities were ready to occupy in time."
The Soldiers of 2-8 Cavalry were the first to occupy new barracks, motor pools and headquarters buildings on the new land at Humphreys.
"I know I speak for the troopers from 2-8 Cavalry when I say that we are grateful for the awesome home we've been provided...we could not have asked for anything more," Martin said.
Martin said he was excited to be moving the division to Pyeongtaek for it affords his Soldiers the opportunity to make new friends and neighbors.
"We are bringing with us a rich tradition of partnership and friendship and we look forward to forging ties with our partners in the surrounding communities," he said.
Martin closed with thanks to the Soldiers of 2-8 Cavalry and granted them a four-day weekend as a reward for their hard work.
"Go explore Pyeongtaek, relax, enjoy, you deserve a well-earned break," he closed.
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