Story by Emma Loura/Manhattan Mercury
Soldiers lined up on Fort Riley’s Cavalry Parade Field, and the families of two major generals stood with them Friday as the First Infantry Division changed command.
Maj. Gen. Monté Rone took over command after ceremonially receiving the colors from Lt. Gen. Bernabe, who received them from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. John Meyer, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility to a new leader.
“The change in command ceremony offers us the opportunity to recognize the outgoing commander and the incoming commander, the accomplishments of the team and the soldiers and leaders,” Bernabe said. “There is no shortage of accomplishment of the Big Red One in the last couple years.”
Bernabe said when Meyer took command in May 2022, there was conflict in Europe, as Russia had invaded Ukraine three months prior. The brigades in the First Division deployed troops to support the NATO allies.
“The brigades of this division showed the entire Army to really join forces, what it means to be ready to deploy anywhere in the world,” Bernabe said. “When John Meyer took command in May 2022, he was stepping into a role that was crucial to maintain the stability of an extremely dynamic situation in Europe.”
Meyer deployed overseas about a week after taking command. With most of the division gone in 2022 and 2023 — stretched between Fort Riley, California, the Middle East and Europe — Bernabe said it was a challenge during his tenure to command everyone.
“Despite the challenges in geography, despite the challenges in time zones, despite the challenges of competing priorities, John made it look easy,” Bernabe said.
Meyer was supported by his wife, Kelly, who helped look after Fort Riley soldiers and their families while raising their two children. Meyer acknowledged the love and support of his family and the Fort Riley community as well as his faith in God.
“All the friends from the Flint Hills region and the state of Kansas, thank you for the support for soldiers and families of this division,” Meyer said. “You are the reason why this division is not an Army post, but a home.”
Meyer welcomed the Rone family to the First Infantry Division and Fort Riley.
Rone has been in the military for 34 years and served in all four infantry divisions during his career. He said he looks forward to meeting everyone on the installation as well as the community leaders he will collaborate with during his tenure. He also eager to provide a purpose for everyone at Fort Riley and called it the “assignment of a lifetime.”
“The one thing I hear about Fort Riley is that it is the best hometown in America, so I look forward to being a part of this community,” Rone said. “My No.-1 goal is to take care of soldiers, their families and the civilians on the installation.”
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