The 1st Infantry Division bid farewell to four outgoing generals and one colonel during Thursday’s Victory Honors Ceremony held on the post’s Cavalry Parade Field. At the same time, the Big Red One welcomed one incoming general to compliment what was described by the Divison’s commander as a “period of great transition and turbulence”.
The first to make remarks during the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Paul Funk II, outgoing 1st Inf. Div. commander to be replaced by Maj. Gen. Wayne Grigsby Jr. on August 6th. Gen. Funk spoke of his observations and pride in the Big Red One to a crowd of special guests and 1st Inf. Div. soldiers.
“The 1st Infantry Division is bigger than a single leader,” Funk said, “It is the sum of our efforts, our willingness to expend our energies in a service to a cause greater than ourselves.”
Brig. Gen. Eric Wesley said goodbye to the 1st Inf. Div. as he leaves his position as the Deputy Commanding General for support, along with Deputy Commanding General for operations, Brig. Gen. Thomas Graves. The crowd recognized Col. Peter Minalga for his work in recent years on Fort Riley during the ceremony as well. Also departing the Flint Hills is allied UK officer, Brigadier Christopher Ghika, who will move back to a position with the British Army after serving alongside Fort Riley soldiers.
During the ceremony, Big Red One soldiers welcomed incoming Deputy Commanding General for maneuver, Brig. Gen. John Kolasheski, after performing duties with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
Listen to 1350 KMAN for clips of these general’s speeches and more information Friday morning.
