Fort Riley holds Change of Command ceremony

Fort Riley bid farewell to their outgoing commanding general with a Change of Command ceremony on Friday.

Before the ceremony began, KMAN caught up with outgoing commanding general Major General Joseph M Martin.  He said his feelings during the ceremony where bittersweet because it will be his last day assigned at the fort, but he has faith in incoming commanding general Major General John S. Kolasheski.  He also added the thing he will miss the most will be the soldiers.

The ceremony kicked off with a cannon fire shot that shook the fort and even set off a few car alarms. Both Martin and Kolasheski gave speeches during the ceremony.

During his speech, Martin said he is a product of the Big Red One and will proudly wear the number on his shoulder.

“I will always be a Big Red One soldier even as I go on to serve outside of America’s 1st Division,” said Martin, “It’s difficult for me to acknowledge those words and in many ways, my personal history is tied to this division.”

Martin said out of all the places he has served, nothing compares to the community at Fort Riley.

Before leaving the stand, Martin was presented with the last artillery shell fired during the ceremony, to signal his last day and to say goodbye.

Kolasheski was up next, thanking the multitude of people that have helped and supported him throughout his career.

“I’m proud was again to be a Big Red One soldier; brave, responsible and on point for nation.” said Kolasheski.

After his speech  Kolasheski was presented with the last artillery shell, signifying his first day as the commanding general  and to welcome him.

After the ceremony, Kolasheski said his first task as commanding general will be to try to continue to build on the legacy of Martin, preparing units, and integrate them into the community.

Martin, who served as commanding general since October 2016, will be heading to Washington DC to serve as the Director of the Army Staff.