CAMP CASEY, SOUTH KOREA -- Major Gen. Edward C. Cardon assumed command from Maj. Gen. Michael S. Tucker as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division during a change of command ceremony Sept. 20 at Indianhead Field on Camp Casey, South Korea.
In his farewell address, Tucker took the time to thank the Warriors that make up the division.
"I want to thank each one of you for what you do every day for this division, and for answering your nation's call to service," said Tucker. "If the citizens of the United States could see and appreciate all that you do every day in selfless service to our nation, they would be in as much awe of you as I am."
During his two-year tenure as the 2nd ID commander, Tucker reaffirmed the strong U.S. - ROK alliance with increased combined training using the best new equipment the U.S. Army has to offer to deter aggression through readiness.
"Together with our ROK Army brothers, and members of the alliance, the Warriors of the 2nd Infantry Division are ready to fight tonight if called upon to defend the Korean Peninsula should deterrence fail," said Tucker in his final remarks.
Tucker also pushed for and presided over a historical shift in the Army's policy on Korean tours of duty. For the first time in history, Families may now accompany Soldiers throughout the peninsula, including the northern parts of South Korea, where the predominance of 2nd ID Soldiers are stationed, just 10 miles south of the demilitarized zone.
Tucker is well known for his innovative Warrior University program that allows Soldiers to attend college classes two days a week from 3:00-6:00 p.m. This program has resulted in an incredible 600 percent increase in the number of college classes taken by 2nd ID Soldiers.
In his remarks to the Soldiers, and U.S. - ROK dignitaries, the Army's newest division commander highlighted the importance of sustaining partnership with Korean counterparts.
"I want to emphasize that we remain committed to helping maintain and strengthen one of our nation's strongest and most enduring alliances -- that between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea," said Cardon. "Our priorities will not change; they remain directly linked with the Alliance's objectives."
Prior to the ceremony Lieutenant Gen. John D. Johnson, who presided over the event, commented on the 2nd ID.
"There is no unit in the Army that is more ready for combat. Nowhere else that takes better care of Families and Soldiers than the 2nd Infantry Division."
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