Brunson takes command of Bayonet Division

Community also says goodbye to Maj. Gen. Burleson

By Staff Sgt. Michael Armstrong, 7th Infantry Division on August 15, 2019

Photo: Lt. Gen. Gary Volesky, I Corps commanding general, passes the 7th Infantry Division colors to Maj. Gen. Xavier Brunson, formally recognizing him as the commanding general of the 7th Inf. Division during a change of command ceremony held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Aug. 13.

Soldiers, families and community members gathered at Watkins Field on Joint Base Lewis-McChord to welcome Maj. Gen. Xavier Brunson, incoming 7th Infantry Division commanding general, and to say goodbye to Maj. Gen. Willard Burleson III, outgoing 7th ID. commanding general, at a change of command ceremony Aug. 13.

Burleson's next assignment will be as the director of operations for the United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea.

At the ceremony he thanked the soldiers of the 7th ID. for their commitment to service.

"You have done what you always do so well," Burleson said to the soldiers on the field. "You take a little bit of guidance and make it happen. It has been a tremendous honor to serve with you."

Brunson, who comes to JBLM from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, thanked God, his family and Burleson before addressing the soldiers of the 7th ID.

"I'm honored to be your commander," Brunson said. "Trust in me."