Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny: ‘What did you do today?’

By Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny

4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson

4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, and the Colorado Springs community,

What a great day to be an Iron Horse Division Soldier! I must begin by saying a sincere and much deserved thank you to all who participated in last week’s change of command ceremony. From the band to the Mounted Color Guard, the staff and planners to the Soldiers on the field, your professionalism and precision were a great example of why the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson are Home of America’s Best. Betty and I are humbled and excited to be part of this legendary division with such a heralded and distinguished history. This is our first time at the Mountain Post and Colorado Springs and after only two weeks, we are quickly falling in love with the installation, the local community and of course, the wonderful scenery. We are also extremely honored to serve alongside the phenomenal command teammates of Maj. Gen. George
and Patty George. Thanks to all for such a warm and hospitable welcome.

As we make our way around to different organizations over the next several weeks, please know that Betty and I are committed to serving the 120,000 plus Soldiers, DA Civilians, Family members, retirees and community partners that make this the Best Hometown in the Army.

Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division Artillery present ceremonial artillery shells to incoming 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny, left, and Commanding General Maj. Gen. Randy A. George during a change of leadership ceremony on Founders Field Aug. 24, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds)

As Maj. Gen. George stated, as busy as the Iron Horse Division is, we must not lose sight of our primary mission to close with and destroy the enemies of the United States in close combat. This is a challenging and demanding profession and we must always be READY (Respectful, Experts, Athletes, Disciplined, You). In support of the commanding general’s vision and intent you will often hear me ask, “What did you do today?” There are four things I would ask our leaders and Soldiers to do daily:

1. What did you do today to improve yourself physically, mentally and emotionally? We must conduct demanding physical training to condition our bodies for combat. We must read doctrine and study to prepare our minds. We must find an emotional release, spiritual or other, to prepare ourselves and develop resiliency. (Disciplined Athlete You)
2. What did you do today to improve your organization? As a leader or a member of the team, if your squad, platoon, company, battalion or brigade is not the best one in the Army then what are you doing to improve it? (Expert You)
3. What did you do today to be the best teammate you can be? Your daily goal should be to come to work with a smile on your face and the singular mission to make everyone around you successful. (Respectful You)
4. What did you do today to ensure those you love the most and who love you the most are still with you when you leave Fort Carson? Family matters. You have to find a way to maintain the balance between work and Family. (You)

Are you READY?

Betty and I would like to thank everyone again for their warm welcome. We look forward to embracing the culture, making new friends both on and off Fort
Carson and taking care of our Soldiers, Families and community partners. We are READY and we are Iron Horse Strong! #Winningmatters

Steadfast and Loyal!