Ceremony held at Fort McCoy for changing of command of 88th Readiness Division
FORT McCOY, Wis. (WKBT) – A morning ceremony marked the changing of command at Fort McCoy on Saturday.
The command of the 88th Readiness Division was handed over from Maj. Gen. Darrell Guthrie to Maj. Gen. Matthew Baker.
“I couldn’t be handing it off to a better leader than Matt Baker,” said Guthrie.
Guthrie says Baker will also become the Senior Commander of Fort McCoy.
Baker says he has a lot to learn but he’s looking forward to the leadership position.
“Over 500 facilities, 19 states, over 50,000 soldiers depend on the 88th to be successful so that they can be successful,” said Baker. “The 88th has a historic reputation, it’s an awesome organization, and I’m truly humbled to be selected to be the next commander of the 88th.”
As for Guthrie, he says he’s planning on moving back to Texas.
He says he wants to give a big thanks to the Sparta, Tomah, and La Crosse areas for all the help welcoming Afghan refugees after they arrived at the military installation nearly a year ago.
“You welcomed people in, you asked the right questions, and you put out a hand to help,” said Guthrie. “The people of Wisconsin in this area are just phenomenal people and I will always have a very special place in my heart for this area.”
Guthrie says he’s planning on practicing law as a civilian once he gets back to Texas, and that he’s looking forward to a new season of his life.
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