Fort Bragg's Main post parade field was the site for Tuesday's assumption of command ceremony for Lt. Gen. Joseph "Joe" Anderson.
Assuming command of 'America's Contingency Corps' and having served, commanded and led at every level in his past Army career, to include Battalion Commander for the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Divison, 14 years ago. "Throughout his distinguished career, Joe has delivered sustained mission success in the toughest jobs in our Armed Forces, as he will continue to do," said Gen. Daniel Allyn. "He has led our soldiers with distinction during 32 years of service."
The downpour of rain did not deter General Anderson's speech, nor put a damper on his sense of humor. The crowd clapped and chuckled a few times during his remarks including when a paratrooper finally walked up to hold an umbrella over the the incoming commander as his notes were getting soaking wet. "I thought I had these memorized," joked the new commander.
"This is the first time in my 32 years that we return to the same place, but let me tell you, that it wasn't because I didn't try to get back," joked General Anderson as he retold some of his past career history and its progression. "I ask all of you to please keep our deployed soldiers and their families in your thoughts and prayers and I also ask that you never forget our fallen comrades, wounded warriors and their families as well."
Keeping dry under the gold and black striped tents, hundreds turned out to bid the Anderson's well wishes. Former West Point classmates, fellow commanders, professional peers, family members, friends, elected officials and subordinates shared in the joy on the monumental day for General Anderson and his family.
"I'm inordinately proud to know Joe. When I first met him he was a brigade commander and I knew I met a soldier that I recognized as a truly strong and inspiring leader," said longtime professional peer Gail McCabe, Chief DMA Army Atlanta. "I followed his career every step of the way and he has always remained humble and has always had a team that loves to work for him and I'm excited to see what he does here."
"Our military and civilian community remains tightly interconnected and our teamwork in the ongoing fiscal uncertainty, reinforces this important enduring relationship," said General Allyn to members of the Fayetteville community. "Our capacity to prevail through adversity, we your Army family are grateful."
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