4th Infantry Division Bids Odierno Farewell, Welcomes Thurman

4th Infantry Division Bids Odierno Farewell, Welcomes

Thurman

By Mollie Miller and Tam Cummings
Fort Hood Sentinel Leisure and News Editors

FORT HOOD, Texas, June 18, 2004 — Under a cloudy, blue sky and to standing ovations, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James Thurman accepted command of the 4th Infantry Division today from Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno in a ceremony conducted on Cameron Field. The field was flanked on two sides by troops representing every element of the division.

The 4th Infantry Division gained worldwide recognition under Odierno’s command when his soldiers captured ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The division is known as “Steadfast and Loyal.”

Army Forces Commander and reviewing officer Gen. Daniel McNeill presided over the ceremony, standing in for Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz, III Corps Commander currently deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

“Soldiers do not despair you have been well led, you have accomplished great feats and great tasks and you will continue to do so, you will continue to be well led. Over the past two and a half years, Ray Odierno led you in a truly outstanding fashion,” McNeill said. “He led this division for a year of intense and often brutal conflict.

“He showed inspired leadership, innovative leadership, compassionate leadership and enlightened leadership and he has the respect and admiration of all for what he has done.

While the nation watched, division forces secured the Sunni Triangle and captured Saddam Hussein,” McNeill said.

Odierno thanked the community saying “this is simply the best military community in the United States, bar none. The support that we get is evident every single day. You support our soldiers, you support our families, we appreciate your patriotism, we can’t do it without you.

Calling his soldiers true patriots, Odierno said, “The past 32 months have been more diverse, challenging and satisfying than I ever imagined. I have been humbled and honored to be associated with these great soldiers. They are disciplined, battle-tested, mentally and physically tough, intelligent, flexible, adaptive and compassionate. Your nation owes you a great debt of gratitude it has been an honor to serve with you. All I have to do is look on my shoulder and see my ivy patch.”

Maj. Gen. James Thurman (left), 4th Inf. Div. commander, stands with Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno, former commander during the 4th Inf. Div. Change of Command June 18 at Cameron Field. U.S. Army photo by R. Dean Straight

To his wife, Linda, the major general explained that he could not have been as successful without her support. “You are my best friend, my soul mate, my partner. How can I ever thank you? You have given your heart and soul to the 4th ID. You are my hero.”

Taking command of the Ivy Division, Thurman sent his prayers out to the families of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and his prayers to wounded soldiers. To the assembled troops he said, “You are the best and are improving your mark with the recent outstanding combat performance displayed in Iraq. We are committed and ready to meet the next challenge. We will reset, reorganized, retrained and ready for the nation’s call. Winning this war on terrorism is essential. We will not waste any time in doing that.”

Thurman said coming back to Fort Hood with his wife Delia is like coming home. His first assignment in the Army, 29 years ago, was with the 4th ID in a tank battalion. “I never dreamed I would someday become the commanding general.” There is truly no greater honor than commanding American soldiers. I promise I will give you 200 percent every day.”

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Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno presents the colors the Maj. Gen. James Thurman and guests during the 4th Inf. Div. Change of Command ceremony June 18 at Cameron Field. The honor guard is dressed in period uniforms representing the wars the 4th Inf. Div. has fought in. U.S. Army photo by R. Dean Straight

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Linda Odierno, wife of Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno, former 4th Inf. Div. commander, stands during an ovation to the soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. during a 4th Inf. Div. Change of Command ceremony June 18 at Cameron Field, Fort Hood, Texas. U.S. Army photo by R. Dean Straight

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Delia Thurman, wife of Maj. Gen. James Thurman (white hat) and family stands proudly saluting the colors during the pass and review at the 4th Inf. Div. Change of Command June 18 at Cameron Field. U.S. Army photo by R. Dean Straight

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Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno, former 4th Inf. Div. commander, stands proudly as he observes the soldiers of 4th Inf. Div. during the 4th Inf. Div. Change of Command ceremony June 18 at Cameron Field, Fort Hood, Texas. U.S. Army photo by R. Dean Straight

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Thank you!

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