Photo By Staff Sgt. Andre Taylor | From left, Brig. Gen. Jonathan Velishka, outgoing deputy commanding general for...... read more read more
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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — Senior leaders from the U.S. Army and Philippine Army gathered at Weyand Field during a Tropic Lightning honors ceremony May 11, reinforcing the enduring partnership between both nations while recognizing a leadership transition within the 25th Infantry Division.
The ceremony bid farewell to Brig. Gen. Jonathan Velishka, outgoing deputy commanding general for support, and welcomed Col. Robert Bryant as the incoming deputy commander for support. More than a simple transfer of responsibilities, the event reflected the deepening partnership and shared commitment between the United States and the Philippines across the Indo-Pacific region.
Among the distinguished guests were Gen. Ronald Clark, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific; Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, commanding general of I Corps; Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commanding general of the Philippine Army; Maj. Gen. Joseph Pasamonte, commanding general of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division; and senior enlisted leaders from both armies.
Their presence underscored the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines, America’s oldest mutual defense treaty ally in the Indo-Pacific, as both nations continue to strengthen cooperation through expanded training and regional security initiatives.
Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees III, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawaii, emphasized the significance of those partnerships during his remarks.
“Your attendance is a testament to our enduring bonds and shared commitment between our nations and our armies,” Bartholomees said while addressing Philippine military leaders attending the ceremony. “Your presence at this ceremony is incredibly poignant given the two years of service that John has provided, particularly to the Philippines.” Bartholomees credited Velishka with helping strengthen military cooperation between both nations through sustainment operations, infrastructure development and rotational force initiatives across the Philippines.
“Under his leadership, the investment in sustainment, engineering and infrastructure across the Philippines has been eye-watering, strengthening our alliance and enhancing our militaries’ collective readiness,” Bartholomees said.
Throughout his assignment, Velishka played a key role in supporting the expansion of Army force rotations and sustainment efforts across the Indo-Pacific while strengthening relationships with Philippine military counterparts, including Northern Luzon Command and Philippine Army field artillery units.
The ceremony visually reflected those relationships as U.S. Army and Philippine Army senior leaders gathered alongside soldiers, family members and community partners during the event.
Traditional Hawaiian cultural elements, including a performance by Hui Haʻa, reinforced the division’s identity and connection to Hawaii while honoring the Tropic Lightning Division’s heritage and fighting spirit.
Velishka said the relationships built throughout the Indo-Pacific were among the most meaningful aspects of his assignment.
“The teamwork here in the division, corps, U.S. Army Pacific, and with our Philippine Army brothers and sisters is truly inspiring,” Velishka said. “I’ve been led by, mentored by, and served with the greatest soldiers, noncommissioned officers, warrant officers, officers and civilians an Army could ask for.”
The event also highlighted the operational importance of the partnership as thousands of Tropic Lightning soldiers continue conducting operations and exercises throughout the Pacific theater, including current missions in the Philippines.
“Today, these commanders and command sergeants major represent 12,000 soldiers, of which 3,000 are currently in the Philippines conducting operations,” Bartholomees said. “Today, we honor the past, embrace our future, and reaffirm our commitment to our partnerships, our excellence and the Tropic Lightning legacy.”
Bryant, who previously served in several leadership roles across Hawaii and U.S. Army Pacific, said he was honored to rejoin the Tropic Lightning team.
“I look forward to rowing together with you,” Bryant said while addressing leaders, allies and partners attending the ceremony. “I will not fail you, and I will not fail the soldiers and families in this division.”
| Date Taken: | 05.11.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.18.2026 21:56 |
| Story ID: | 565447 |
| Location: | SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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