Maj. Gen. Scott Mcqueen (L), the new commander of the 2nd U.S. Infantry Division, and his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Theodore Martin, pose for a photo during a ceremony at Camp Casey in the city of Dongducheon, north of Seoul, on July 18, 2017, to mark the division chief’s inauguration and Martin’s departure. (Yonhap)
As of this week the 2nd Infantry Division has a new commander:
CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea (April 24, 2015) — Maj. Gen. Theodore “Ted” D. Martin assumes as the 2nd Infantry Division commanding general from Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal. Vandal served as the commanding general for the 2nd Inf. Div. for 22 months.
The 2nd Inf. Div. hosted the change of command ceremony at the Indianhead Field at Camp Casey, South Korea, April 24.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to have served in this storied and proud Division at such a significant time of transformation in its history,” said Vandal. “In so many ways, it has been the highlight of my military career as we took on many challenges and opportunities.”
During his time in command Vandal carried out the initial establishment for the Combined Division; employed the first combined arms and aviation rotational battalions to serve on the Korean peninsula; and established the “Think Twice” Campaign, which focuses on emphasizing responsible behavior among Soldiers in the Division, among other things.
“To the Soldiers of the 2nd Inf. Div., you are proud professionals and I am honored to have served as your commanding general,” said Vandal. “I thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
Vandal also added that this July will be the 50th Anniversary of the 2nd Inf. Div.’s continued service on the Korean peninsula. “The friendship and mutual sacrifice is what makes this Alliance so great,” added Vandal.
Although the Vandal family will be leaving Warrior Country, they will not be too far away. Vandal will be assuming duties as the assistant chief of staff, C-3/J-3, at United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea.
Before assuming command of the 2nd Inf. Div. Martin served as the commanding general for the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
Martin’s family military heritage goes back more than ten generations.
Martin said that as little boys he and his three brothers wanted to grow up to be just like their father: a Soldier who had experience serving in Korea. “Today the dream becomes a reality, as I now have the honor to serve where he once fought during the Korean War,” added Martin. [Army.mil]
You can read the rest at the link, but that is pretty cool that MG Martin’s dad served during the Korean War and now he is in command of the last US Army division in Korea.
