Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Brig. Gen. Jon D. Lee assumed command of the 91st Training Division, June 29, 2012, at...... read more read more
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FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Brig. Gen. Jon D. Lee, born in Wailuku on the island of Maui, assumed command of the 91st Training Division (Operations), June 29, in a change of command ceremony at Fort Hunter Liggett. Maj. Gen. David W. Puster, commanding general of 84th Training Command, was present to transfer the unit colors to Lee from Brig. Gen. James T. Cook, who has led the division for three years.
Lee, an infantry officer who lives in Pearl City, is a graduate of the University of Santa Clara, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce. He is also a graduate of Airborne School, Air Assault School, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.
The ceremony began with the traditional ceremonial pageantry. The standing units were summoned to order arms. Thirteen cannon bursts filled the air and Cook was presented with the last shell to honor his tenure. The audience stood for the Presentation of the Colors and Honors. The units were brought to present arms, then to parade rest. Then, the three generals made an inspection of the troops. These displays of uniformity were executed with discipline and precision.
Cook was filled with emotion and thanked everyone present and especially the soldiers for their contribution to his command. He gave special thanks to former mentors and the officers of the 104th Infantry Division. His father was a first sergeant and he remembered his words. “Take care of the soldiers and the Army will take care of you,” said Cook. “I want to thank my staff that allowed me to have fun leading this great division.”
Lee was enthusiastic and energized as he accepted the 91st Training Division command. He first thanked his wife who he said was his command sergeant major. He said he wanted to keep his words short, but those words were powerful. “I am humbled and pleased to command a division with such rich history,” said Lee. “And, I will do my best to lead this unit into the future.”
In the center of the parade field, the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit takes place. The command sergeant major, who is the keeper of the colors, passes the colors to the outgoing commanding general. He then passes the colors to the representative of the higher command, symbolizing the relinquishment of his command. The higher commander then delivers the colors to new commanding general. Finally, the new commander passes it back to the command sergeant major, who is charged with protecting it.
When the ceremony concluded, a luncheon was held at the Milpitas Hacienda, hosted by Lee. He took a moment to thank everyone who helped in the success of the event. “I’m honored to be here, but words don’t mean anything. Deeds do,” said Lee. “I want to sustain all the efforts that General Cook brought to the 91st and Army Reserve, and leverage those efforts in the joint area of operation.”
The 91st Division has a proud history of military service dating back to World War I. It was constituted, Aug. 5, 1917, at Camp Lewis, Wash. and since 1959, has been focused on training Army Reserve and National Guard units throughout the western United States. The division is currently training multi-service units with realistic but safe training that can satisfy visiting commander’s training objectives and meet their mission essential tasks. Its current mission is to conduct annual large scale training events at Fort Hunter Liggett.
| Date Taken: | 06.29.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2012 18:41 |
| Story ID: | 91019 |
| Location: | JOLON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 627 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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