FORT RILEY, Kan. (KMAN) — During a ceremony rich with style and tradition, the Army’s oldest Division, “the Big Red One”, changed command Wednesday morning at Cavalry Parade Field.
In front of family, friends and fellow soldiers, Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II accepted command of the 1st Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. William C. Mayville, Jr.
Funk joined the Big Red One as the deputy commanding general for maneuver in August 2011. During his lengthy career in the Army, Funk has deployed to combat in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“I am honored to be standing here today, proudly embarking on a great responsibility to command these brave men and women who stand before you,” said Maj. Gen. Funk.
Mayville assumed command of the 1st Infantry Division in May 2011. He deployed the Division Headquarters in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he commanded Combined Joint Task Force-1 and Regional Command – East from April 2012 to March 2013. Mayville’s next stop is the Pentagon, where he will serve as the assistant deputy chief of staff for U.S. Army operations.
“Sadly my time with this division with these soldiers, leaders and their families and with the communities of the Flint Hills, has come to an end,” reflected Mayville, ” I’m joining the ranks of the old-timers, the ones who rush back for Victory Week and 1st Infantry Division Society Conventions, to rub shoulders with those still in the Division; and, as I have already been reminded, I now join the ranks of those that pick up the bar tab”.
