29th Infantry Division (Light) gets new Commander

[SR-25]

November 10, 2004

By Pfc. Occoless Trotter
Special correspondent


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., passed the 29th Infantry Division (Light) colors to Maj. Gen Arthur H. Wyman, during a change of command ceremony here Saturday.


Long, who had been the division commanding general since August 2002, has assumed the position of Department of Defense, deputy director for operations, Iraq Project and Contracting Office Baghdad, Iraq.

Wyman began his commissioned career after graduating from Artillery Officer Candidate School in 1967 as a second lieutenant. After seven years as an active duty officer, he furthered his career in the Massachusetts Army National Guard beginning in January 1974. He served as a motor officer in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 26th Infantry Division.

Wyman began with the 29th Infantry Division in October 1997 as a brigade commander for HHC, 26th Infantry Brigade. Wyman had worked as the assistant division commander (troops) for the division since July 2000.

“I couldn’t feel better,” said Wyman about taking command of the 29th ID (L). “It’s a great honor and a great privilege.”

Lt. Gen. Roger C. Schultz, director of the Army National Guard, described Wyman as a seasoned leader and someone who will make an outstanding commander.

“When you think about leading Soldiers, we keep standards pretty high,” said Schultz. He further emphasized the importance of having a leader that is “fully capable of commanding the division should there be a wartime deploying mission for the 29th ID (L). The 29th is in good hands.”

Col. David G. Wrenn, chief of staff for the 29th ID (L) said he looks forward to developing a relationship with Wyman and called him a “very detailed man.”

Wyman dedicated the ceremony to the memory of 1st Lt. Alfred Schofield, a friend of Wyman and fellow infantry officer, who lost his life while serving in South Vietnam in 1968.

“Today, I accept this honor in your name,” said Wyman. “And in so doing celebrate your sacrifice made for our nation.”

The ceremony was modeled after the 1st Army tradition, which involved 14 representatives and guidon bearers, one for each of the division’s subordinate units, instead of having all members of the units attend. This format prevents disruption of scheduled missions and enables Soldiers to continue their training.

As division commander and with the cooperation with five state adjutants general, Wyman is responsible for the readiness, operations and training of more than 11,000 Soldiers from Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts and North Carolina. Wyman is the division’s 18th commander.

Editor’s note: Pfc. Occoless Trotter works in the 29th ID (L) Public Affairs Office.

Interesting...i hadn't heard this...and i'm an 11B in the 29th.