Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Micah Merrill | Soldiers march in a Change of Leadership ceremony on Founder's Field, Fort Carson,...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. – The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson welcomed the incoming command team, Maj. Gen. Randy A. George and Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny, during a change of leadership ceremony here Aug. 24, 2017.
Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk, commanding general, III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, officiated the passing of the Iron Horse Division from Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves to George.
“Gen. Funk, sir, I want to thank you for coming out here and officiating today’s ceremony,” said George. “We’re excited to be a part of III Corps, and I look forward to serving under your leadership.”
George, a former 4th Inf. Div. deputy commanding general and brigade commander, returns to Fort Carson from Washington D.C., where he was the deputy director for Regional Operations and Global Force Management to the Joint Staff. George served three combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, where he commanded the then 4th Brigade Combat Team – now 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. George arrives during the "Ivy" Division’s centennial anniversary year, which celebrates the division’s distinguished service to the country since World War I.
“Every unit is rightfully proud of their history and lineage; it teaches us, it guides us,” said George. “In fact, I say it calls upon us to be better than we think we can be.”
Joining George in the charge of 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, Metheny arrives from Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was the command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. In his 27 years of service, Metheny has held every enlisted leadership position from team leader to operations sergeant major to command sergeant major.
Metheny joined the Army in 1990 as a cavalry scout. He is a graduate of Ranger School, Pathfinder School, Airborne and Jumpmaster schools, French Commando School and Drill Sergeant School. He deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed on the Humanitarian Assistance Deployment to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, Metheny was inducted into the Order of St. George and is a member of Excellence in Armor.
Metheny is preceded by Command Sgt. Maj. Richard L. Ayala Jr., who assumed responsibility June 1, 2017, following the parting of Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Crosby, who now serves as the III Corps command sergeant major at Fort Hood, Texas.
Funk said that while Ayala’s time as 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson command sergeant major was short, he filled a vital vacancy and provided seamless continuity following Crosby’s departure. Gonsalves recognized and thanked Ayala for his 4-month time as command sergeant major to the division and Fort Carson.
Gonsalves took command of the Iron Horse Division May 2015, leading the division in providing services across the globe to six combatant commanders. Funk spoke on his direction for excellence and readiness, which was met and noteworthy.
“Throughout the past two years, [Gonsalves] has commanded magnificently,” said Funk. “He has combined humility, problem-solving skills and determination with an authentic love for the Soldiers and their Families.”
Gonsalves, who was born on Fort Carson, made his final remarks to the Iron Horse Soldiers and the Fort Carson community with gratitude and praise for their success and support during his 27-month command.
“Fort Carson is nothing short of the best post of the United States Army,” said Gonsalves. “The tremendous support and partnerships to this installation, and its Soldiers and Families, truly make Colorado Springs a bona fide military city.”
“While we must [bid] farewell to the Gonsalves and Ayalas, it is with great excitement and anticipation that we welcome Maj. Gen. Randy George and his wife Patty back to the Mountain Post along with Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Metheny and his wife Betty,” said Funk.
George is confident that his “uniquely positioned” division will continue to stand, steadfast and loyal, to the nation.
“4th Inf. Div. is one of the oldest and most decorated divisions in the Army,” said George. “It’s the only balanced division in the Army … that is uniquely positioned to respond to our nation’s call during these tumultuous and unpredictable times, and we will be ready, just as we have been in the past.”
In closing, George said he and his wife, Patty, were happy to be part of America’s Best Hometown again, where it’s like winning the lottery every time they come back.
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2017 15:04 |
| Story ID: | 246056 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Hometown: | ALDEN, IOWA, US |
| Hometown: | CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, US |
| Hometown: | COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 462 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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