Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Scovell | Soldiers with the 36th Infantry Division fire cannons as part of the ceremony in which...... read more read more
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AUSTIN, Texas – Maj. Gen. Patrick M. Hamilton assumed command of the 36th Infantry Division Nov. 17, 2018, at Camp Mabry.
Hamilton, who previously served as the assistant division commander – maneuver, became the commanding general of the 36th in a ceremony on the military post’s parade field.
Hamilton said he plans to push the Soldiers of the 36th ID to increase their ability to respond effectively when called upon, both during combat operations overseas and disaster response here in Texas.
“My job is to provide a trained and ready force for our state and for our nation, and we’re going to be laser-focused on that,” Hamilton said. “We’re going to take every innovative opportunity that we can find to train and to move the readiness needle in a positive direction.”
Several senior Texas Military Department leaders, including adjutant general Air Force Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, and hundreds of representatives of the division’s various brigades participated in the formal change of command ceremony. Also in attendance were U.S. Representative John Carter and Kevin Lilly, chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The ceremony included a traditional inspection of the troops, a performance by the 36th ID band, and the passing of the division’s symbolic flag, or “colors.” Maj. Gen. S. Lee Henry, the outgoing commanding general, passed the flag to Nichols, who in turn passed it to Hamilton, symbolizing the transfer of command of the division’s estimated 16,000 members.
Hamilton expressed appreciation for Henry’s mentorship and hard work in service to the division since he assumed command in May, 2017.
“I could not have asked for a better predecessor,” Hamilton said. “He has been a tremendous commander because of his focus on training and the fact that he really cares about the future of the division.”
Henry said serving as the 36th ID’s commander has been the most rewarding position he’s held throughout his military service. Since assuming command in May, 2017, he’s been responsible for Soldiers who rescued Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey, and has deployed them to areas of operations that include the Middle East, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the border with Mexico.
“I’ve enjoyed it, and loved it,” Henry said. “I feel that this has really been the most honorable assignment I’ve had in my 35-plus years.”
As Henry brought his career as a military leader to a close, his message to Soldiers referred to the basics of being a Soldier, such as the Army values and a mandate to have each other’s backs.
“Take care of each other,” Henry said. “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Stay fit and make sure you balance the things that are important in your life, like your family and your employer.”
“And always make sure that when you come to drill that you maintain the values of the United States Army: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage,” Henry added. “I’m proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with each one of you during my time as commander.”
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| Date Taken: | 11.17.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2018 17:04 |
| Story ID: | 300391 |
| Location: | AUSTIN, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 871 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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