FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Major General Joseph Anderson assumed command of the units and Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson during a change of command ceremony at Founders Field, Nov. 16.
With the ceremonial passing of the colors, Anderson replaced Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, who will take command of U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Perkins and the 4th Inf. Div. set the standard for what right looks like during his tour as the division's senior leader, said Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, deputy commanding general and Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Forces Command.
"Commanding the 'Ivy' Division is a rare but special opportunity that comes with its own distinct set of challenges and opportunities," Bromberg said. "Major General David Perkins has met all of those challenges. He successfully commanded the 'Steadfast and Loyal' Division through a decisive period in its unit history."
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno, Colorado-native and Medal of Honor recipient George Sekato, and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper were amongst the distinguished guests in attendance at the ceremony.
Perkins assumed command of 4th Inf. Div., July 16, 2009, at Fort Hood, Texas. Within a week, the division unfurled its colors at Manhart Field on Fort Carson, where Perkins took responsibility for the tenant units that call the "Mountain Post" home.
As the Fort Carson commanding general, Perkins and his staff attended to the needs of more than 25,000 Soldiers and their Families.
In October of 2010, Perkins and his division staff deployed to northern Iraq with the mission to train and assist Iraqi Security Forces to take responsibility for the security of the Iraqi people.
"Command is a very special time in a military career," Bromberg said. "There is no greater honor or privilege than to lead American Soldiers. Over the last two years, Dave has commanded the 4th Inf. Div. magnificently with skill, imagination, resourcefulness and determination, and most importantly with authentic love of Soldiers and concern for their Families."
During his final address to the Fort Carson community, Perkins said he appreciated the opportunity to serve as the commanding general of 4th Inf. Div.
"The 4th Inf. Div. and the Soldiers underneath these colors fought in the valley of the Neuse-Argonne in WWI, the Sands of Utah Beach, the Jungles of Vietnam, the dust of Iraq, and even as we speak, the mountains of Afghanistan," Perkins said.
"Each and every time our nation has asked the Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. to do those very hard jobs that others have failed to do… the Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. always responded to our nation's call, and they were always there to do those very difficult tasks and accomplish those missions," he said.
Perkins said that although he is eager to take on his next assignment, he will miss his time with the Ivy Division and the relationships he made during his two-years as its commanding general.
"As I walk off the parade field, today, it will be with a heavy heart," said Perkins. "For one, I will be leaving the ranks of the mighty 4th Inf. Div.; I will be leaving Fort Carson."
Perkins said he would also miss the companionship and reliability of his senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A Dailey.
"He is the epitome of a selfless servant, the epitome of a professional Soldier, the epitome of a personal and professional friend," Perkins said. "Command Sgt. Maj. Dailey and all the other noncommissioned officers in the 4th Inf. Div., and in the military, thank you for being the backbone of our military."
During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Stall, the division's new senior enlisted leader, took responsibility for the training and welfare of the Soldiers of Fort Carson.
For his next assignment, Dailey will take up residence at Fort Eustis, Va., as the command sergeant major of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
Anderson thanked Perkins and his wife, Ginger Perkins, for welcoming him and his Family to the "Mountain Post," and expressed excitement at the opportunity to lead the 4th Inf. Div. through its next chapter.
"It is hard to believe that this day has finally arrived, but we certainly didn't get here alone," Anderson said. "We are grateful for this opportunity and thrilled to finally be at Fort Carson."
Anderson joins the 4th Inf. Div. after serving at the Pentagon as the director of operations, Readiness and Mobilization, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.
"Joe has established his reputation Army-wide as a splendid Soldier, a tough trainer, and a proven combat leader," said Bromberg. "He is the right leader at the right time to continue leading this great division."
Social Sharing