FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, incoming commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, passes the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Nash, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, during the division change of command ceremony Aug. 19, 2021, at Founders Field. The passing of the colors is a longstanding military tradition that signifies transfer of authority and responsibility of a unit. (Photo by Sgt. Ashley Sanders)
By Sgt. Matthew Marsilia
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The 4th Infantry Division marching band provides music during the 4th Inf. Div. change of command ceremony at Founders Field on Fort Carson, Colorado, Aug. 19, 2021. The ceremony served to welcome Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, incoming commanding general, 4th Infantry Division, and Fort Carson, and say farewell to Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, outgoing commanding general. The band performed several selections throughout the ceremony, to include The Army Song. (Photo by Sgt. Ashley Sanders)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson welcomed its new commanding general, Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, during a change of command ceremony Aug. 19, 2021, at Founders Field on Fort Carson.
Lt. Gen. Robert P. White, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, presided over the event. During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane transferred command of the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson to Hodne.
“It is with great privilege and a personal honor to stand here before you on this historic day for the ‘Ivy’ Division,” White said. “Every single Soldier and their Families in this division are fortunate to have had a leader like Maj. Gen. McFarlane. His accomplishments and performance during his time on the Mountain Post are a true testament of his character as well as his sacrifice for the organization.”
Hodne replaced McFarlane, who served as the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson commanding general for the past two years. During his tenure, the division had nine Olympic qualifiers, the best combat service support aviation battalion in the Army, two Army best medics and a pre-ranger program that has a 97% graduation rate. All these great accomplishments were achieved during one of the worst pandemics in modern time.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, render the cannon salute Aug. 19, 2021, as part of the division change of command ceremony on Founders Field. The 15-cannon salute is a traditional part of brigade and higher change of command ceremonies to honor the incoming and outgoing commanders. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
“The best part of the Army and being stationed at the Mountain Post for me isn’t the Colorado Springs community, which is the No. 3 place to live in the United States,” McFarlane said. “It’s not the Olympic Museum or the epic pass and going skiing. It’s not the zero humidity. It’s not the helicopters or the tanks. It’s everyone here at this ceremony today who makes this place the ‘Best Hometown in the Army.’”
McFarlane, after personally thanking leaders across the division and his front office team, showed his gratitude for the supportive Mountain Post community.
“The Mountain Post is genuinely the Best Hometown in the Army, and it’s because of the supportive community that surrounds us,” said McFarlane. “To the men and women who’ve helped keep our Soldiers involved and safe in the community, I want to thank you for continuing to serve us as we will continue to serve you.”
McFarlane didn’t hesitate to communicate his trust and confidence in his successor, Hodne.
“While it will be difficult to leave the Ivy Division with so much work to be done, the Army couldn’t have selected a better leader and Family to command this division,” said McFarlane. “Lucky for me, Maj. Gen. Hodne brings a wealth of experience to Fort Carson. Dave and Shelley – Kelly and I wish you the best and are excited to watch you take the Ivy Division to new heights.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The outgoing and incoming 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson commanding generals conduct an inspection of troops during the 4th Inf. Div. change of command ceremony at Founders Field on Fort Carson, Colorado, Aug. 19, 2021. The ceremony served to welcome Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, incoming commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and say farewell to Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, outgoing commanding general. The generals were accompanied by the chief of staff and Lt. Gen. Robert P. White, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood. (Photo by Sgt. Ashley Sanders)
Hodne brings an extensive list of achievements and experience to the division. He received his commission in the infantry from the U.S. Military Academy in 1991 and has served in ranger, Stryker and cavalry, mechanized and light infantry formations with experience in both conventional and special operations. He’s commanded at every echelon from company through brigade, including command of two battalions in combat; 3rd Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, in Iraq; and 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in Afghanistan. He also led the activation of Fort Carson’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and served as the executive officer to the commanding general of U.S. Central Command.
Hodne returned to Fort Carson following three years serving as the chief of infantry, commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School and director of Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team. In his previous tours at Fort Carson, he served as the deputy commanding general for maneuver and commanded the 1st SBCT.
Hodne concluded the ceremony with remarks regarding his appreciation and excitement for his new command.
“The Mountain Post community is comprised of incredible people,” said Hodne. “It is our people who make this division and installation very special. Our people are also our Army’s true decisive advantage. I am incredibly proud to once again be an Ivy Soldier and am deeply humbled to serve alongside each and every one of you in the Ivy Division.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, passes the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Nash, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, during the division change of command ceremony Aug. 19, 2021, at Founders Field. The passing of the unit colors is symbolic of the transfer of command authority and is one of the oldest traditions of the profession of arms. (Photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, incoming commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, renders a salute alongside his Family Aug. 19, 2021, during the division change of command ceremony at Founders Field on Fort Carson, Colorado. A pass in review is a military tradition conducted during the ceremony as a way for the newly appointed commander to inspect their troops. (Photo by Sgt. Ashley Sanders)
FORT CARSON, Colo. —Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, incoming commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, receives a gift Aug. 19, 2021, during the change of command ceremony at Founders Field. (Photo by Woodlyne Escarne)
Prior to this assignment, Hodne served as the Chief of the Infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Elements of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson stand alongside one another Aug. 19, 2021, during the division change of command ceremony at Founders Field. (Photo by Sgt. Ashley Sanders)