FORT JACKSON, S.C. " Maj. Gen. William H. Gerety relinquished command of the 81st Regional Support Command to acting commander Brig. Gen. Mark C. Arnold during a change of command ceremony here on Aug 19, 2011.
Brig. Gen. Arnold accepted the 81st Infantry Division colors that date back to Camp Jackson in 1917 from Maj. Gen. Jon J. Miller Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command.
"Bill Gerety was a leader that stood out and brought a wealth of talent, experience and education to the command," said Maj. Gen. Miller. "Mark, you bring much of the same capability, you too are a person with the history. No doubt you will bring the same capabilities and leadership during the time you're responsible for the leadership of this command."
Brig. Gen. Arnold expressed what an honor it has been to serve under Maj. Gen. Gerety.
"Actions have demonstrated a level of loyal courage seldom seen in senior leaders," said Brig. Gen. Arnold, titling Gerety as a visionary leader and explaining how it was his vision that has made the 81st the command what it is today.
Brig. Gen. Arnold will take over the Army Reserve's regional command that provides base operations support for a nine-state region, commands three Army bands and a headquarters including many civilians ranging from lawyers, engineers, human resources and logistical specialists.
"Everything you do from the time you come to work until the time you leave and head out is for the good of an Army Reserve Soldier, family member and civilian," said Maj. Gen. Gerety.
Ready to move on to bigger and better things and humbled by being accepted into the 81st family Gerety explained how he wouldn't change a single trace of his journey.
The 81st has bitten off some pretty big bites for the past couple years while Maj. Gen. Gerety has been in command. They have worked on the Army Communities of Excellence, conducted national level boards, writing a how to manual, improved how we support and maintain the facilities in our region as well as continued to support Base Realignment and Closure Act.
"If you believe life is a banquet you should eat hardly from that banquet. I can tell you folks from the 81st go back for seconds and sometimes thirds," said Maj. Gen. Gerety. "Pass the plate, I hope I made a difference."
Maj. Gen. Gerety will take the reins of the 80th Training Command later this month.
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