CAMP RED CLOUD, Republic of Korea – The 2nd Infantry “Warrior” Division welcomed a new assistant division commander for maneuver during a ceremony on the Village Green at Camp Red Cloud, Oct. 7.
During the “Patch” ceremony, Maj. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, the 2nd ID commanding general welcomed Brig. Gen. Charles “Chuck” Taylor into the Warrior Division as the unit’s new ADC-M, replacing Brig. Gen. Terry Ferrell who departed in September.
“Today we are hailing our new assistant division commander for maneuver, or more commonly called the ‘M,’” Tucker said during the ceremony. “I know the ‘S’ Brig. Gen. Kelly Thomas has probably been counting the days until the new ‘M’ hit the ground because he’s been wearing two hats since we said goodbye to Terry and Robbie Ferrell last month.”
Thomas is the current assistant division commander for support.
Tucker said that Taylor, who had been to numerous exercises on the peninsula, is no stranger to Korea. He also added that the new “M” will see how strong the Alliance is.
“There is no alliance on Earth that is as strong as the one we have with the Republic of Korea,” he said. “When you see M1 and K1 tanks rolling side-by-side putting steel on target, you will have no doubt of the capacity of our ROK partners.”
Tucker added he felt Taylor would be perfect for the job.
“I am confident you are the right guy at the right time to take on the challenges that lie before us,” he said.
During his remarks at the ceremony, Taylor thanked Tucker and the division staff for the warm welcome he received.
“[Lt. Gen.] Fil and [Maj. Gen.] Tucker thank you for giving me the opportunity to join the Warrior Team in the Land of the Morning Calm,” Taylor said. “General Tucker and Theresa, I appreciate the kind words and warm welcome you have given me. I will do everything in my power to support your strategic and tactical vision in maintaining the Division’s readiness to face any challenge.”
Taylor, who recently served as the Deputy Director for Operations and Requirements for the Department of Defense Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, has extensive experience serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti. He also served in the 25th Infantry Division where he participated in many exercises in Korea.
“Early in my career I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the character and commitment of our allies here in Korea,” he said. “As a young infantryman, I witnessed the indomitable spirit of the ROK Army partners that I walked the rugged ridgelines with during the Team Spirit exercises.
“After returning many times to Korea over the past years, I am proud to see the tremendous progress, and look forward to build upon the solid foundation that together for 60 years, shoulder-to-shoulder, has maintained security and stability on the peninsula.”
The “Patch” ceremony is a 2nd ID tradition that officially welcomes new senior leaders into the Warrior Family.