FORT KNOX, Ky. — Before taking command of one of the oldest divisions in the Army, Maj. Gen. Paul Funk, former deputy commanding general for the 1st Infantry Division, visited the Fort Knox-based 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, to discuss unit and family readiness, May 17.
During his visit, Funk toured various "Duke" Brigade training facilities and spent time talking one-on-one with commanders, spouses and individual soldiers.
“As the deputing commanding general for the 1st Infantry Division, I visited Ft. Knox on behalf of Maj. Gen. Mayville and Command Sgt. Maj. Sasser to ensure that the Soldiers and leaders of the ‘Duke’ Brigade were prepared and ready to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,” wrote Funk in a letter to the 3rd IBCT. “I also met with the spouses of the 3rd IBCT’s leadership, so that I could confirm the families of the Soldiers about to deploy were prepared for the challenges ahead.”
After meeting with the different commanders and staff members, Funk shared lunch with the 3rd IBCT soldiers- each of them offering a brief glimpse of how they plan to help the 3rd IBCT accomplish future missions.
It was over lunch that the 28-year Army veteran explained the expectations he has for each Soldier serving within the Army and more importantly within the 1st Infantry Division.
“[Soldiers] have to be ‘Brave’ and have the courage to do what is right; ‘Responsible’ for themselves, their families and their unit; and ‘On-point’ for the nation, whether deployed or at home,” explained Funk.
After speaking with everyone from the Brigade commander to the lower enlisted, Funk said he was confident the ‘Duke’ soldiers were ready for their upcoming deployment. And after returning to division headquarters in Fort Riley, Kan. Maj. Gen. Funk discussed what he saw during his tour of the 3rd IBCT.
“What I found was a supremely professional organization that was prepared in all facets for their mission … I found a team of outstanding and strong Army families, and left Fort. Knox very encouraged that they were ready, and would be successful in their mission,” added Funk.