JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Service members assigned to I Corps bid farewell to one commander and welcomed another during a ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Feb. 6.
Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza replaced Lt. Gen. Robert B. Brown, who will next serve as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
During the ceremony, Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general, US Army Pacific, gave his thanks to the outgoing commander for his hard work and steadfast leadership and warmly welcomed Lanza and his family to “America’s Corps.”
“The Army has chosen another superb leader, Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, to command ‘America’s Corps,’” said Brooks. “Steve brings a wealth of experience with his unique background. Mission focused, mentally tough and passionate about caring for soldiers and families, Steve Lanza is the kind of guy you want to follow into any requirement.”
Brown thanked the soldiers he commanded during his 19 months with the Corps and said goodbye to those who impacted his time at JBLM.
“I am honored to have served with the men and women of I Corps representing the greatest nation in the world,” said Brown. “It is not easy for Patti and I to leave JBLM. We have loved our time here. But we will take with us fond memories and new friendships, which we will have for years to come.”
Lanza, who was the commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division since 2012, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general earlier in the day.
“Lt. Gen. Brown has been a stellar role model on how to command a corps,” said Lanza. “He has led an incredible Team-of-Teams, set in motion the rebalance to the Pacific, and worked to operationalize the Corps staff. I am honored to have this opportunity and privilege to be able to continue to serve. I look forward to working with all of you.”