Fort Sill says farewell to chief of the U.S. Army Field Artillery and commandant of the U.S. Army Fi

FORT SILL, Okla. -- A farewell ceremony honored a key leader at the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 23.

During his farewell ceremony, Brig. Gen. Ross E. Ridge reflected on his tenure as chief of the U.S. Army Field Artillery and commandant of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School; his time spent at Fort Sill; parallels between history and today's challenges; and 'the way ahead.' Commanding General of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, Maj. Gen. David D. Halverson, presented Ridge the Legion of Merit Award, for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from October 2008 to October 2010. Brig. Gen. Ridge culminates a distinguished assignment as the assistant commandant and commandant, U.S. Army Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Okla. His unparalleled performance of duty, mentorship and innovative leadership ensured the transformation of the Field Artillery Center at Fort Sill into the Fires Center of Excellence. Brig. Gen. Ridge's distinguished meritorious service reflects great credit upon him, the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence and the U.S. Army."

Ridge's next assignment is commander, Task Force 2010, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Brig. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, deputy commanding general (support), 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized)/U.S. Division - North, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, will succeed Ridge in December.