JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, Wash -- The 7th Infantry Division bid farewell to their commander Maj. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson and senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Robin M. Bolmer at a change of command ceremony at Watkins Field, here, May 11, 2021.
America’s First Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Randy A. George presided over the ceremony where Brunson and Bolmer handed the reigns of the unit to Maj. Gen. Stephen Smith and Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Lawless.
“Steve (Smith) I can’t think of a better commander to take over from Maj. Gen. Brunson,” said George.
Smith said he is humbled and excited to take command of such a unique division and hopes to continue to build on its legacy.
“As I begin this privilege of command, let me say to the Soldiers assigned to this division and their families, “Trust In Me’ as I humbly stand next to you in service of our great Nation,” said Smith.
Just as two new leaders are welcomed, two are bid farewell. Brunson and Bolmer led the division together honorably since Aug. 2019 through COVID, exercises across the Indo-Pacific, and through a time national social tribulation.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity and the ‘Trust In Me’ to lead this great division, I’ve done it with vigor and I’ve enjoyed every day that I had to lead these Soldiers,” Brunson said.
“To all the leaders of the division, everything we do is for our Soldiers, thank for genuinely caring for our Soldiers, I am proud to have served with you,” said Bolmer.
Brunson and Bolmer each shared glowing remarks about their incoming counterparts.
The incoming command team acknowledged receipt of their new charge and promised to continue to build upon the division’s legacy as they guide it into the future.
“I just want to say to the officers and Soldiers of the 7th Infantry Division; I am your sergeant major, I will serve with you and for you,” said Lawless.
Lawless, an infantryman originally from Widnes, England, most recently served as the senior enlisted leader for 8th Brigade, Reserve Officer Training Corps.
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