FORT CARSON, Colo. — Brig. Gen. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere and wife, Amy, unveil the one-star flag during his promotion and farewell retreat ceremony May 8, 2020, at Manhart Field at Fort Carson. To follow COVID-19 pandemic safety guidelines, only select personnel and Family members attended the ceremony, which was also broadcast live on the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Facebook pages to more than 11,000 viewers. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Inez Hammon)
By Staff Sgt. Inez Hammon
14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Amy Beaurpere attaches brigadier general rank to the uniform of her husband, then Col. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere during his promotion and farewell ceremony May 8, 2020, at Manhart Field at Fort Carson. Beaurpere served as the deputy commanding general of support for the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Inez Hammon)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The “Ivy” Division bade farewell to newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere, deputy commanding general of support, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, during a promotion and farewell retreat ceremony May 8, 2020, at Manhart Field at Fort Carson.
Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, officiated the promotion and then presented the Legion of Merit to Beaurpere, recognizing his service as deputy commander.
“Character is a foundation of leadership,” said McFarlane. “Will certainly exemplifies that.”
McFarlane praised the outgoing leader and said he appreciated his professionalism and dedication to the 4th Inf. Div. and its Soldiers.
Beaurpere served as the exercise director for two Fort Carson brigade culminating training events — a deployment to the Joint Combat Readiness Center and the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade preparing for a combat deployment to the Middle East.
“Will’s calm leadership has been critical in our installationwide COVID response,” McFarlane said, addressing Beaurpere’s achievements in the Ivy Division. “Under his leadership, the division achieved the best nondeployable rate in FORSCOM for 10 of the past 12 months.”
McFarlane spoke about how the five Support Supply Activity warehouses consistently ranked within the top five of more than 20 warehouses across the entire III Corps.
During his farewell address, Beaurpere recalled how fate brought him back to the Ivy Division and how he had the chance of learning from two tremendous division commanders – Lt. Gen. Randy George, I Corps commander, and McFarlane. The ceremony was attended by select personnel and Family members to allow for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was broadcast live on the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Facebook pages and was viewed by more than 11,000 people.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general of the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, administers the oath of office to Brig. Gen. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere, left, during a promotion and farewell retreat ceremony May 8, 2020, at Manhart Field at Fort Carson. McFarlane presented the Legion of Merit to Beaurpere, recognizing his service as deputy commanding general of support. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Inez Hammon)
“Sir, you taught me the meaning of leading an organization with passion and commitment,” Beaurpere said to McFarlane. “Watching you command with such tireless energy through the current pandemic and current national crisis is probably one of the greatest leadership plans I’ve ever had the privilege of participating in.”
Beaurpere also thanked the leaders of the division, past leaders, and his Family during the ceremony.
“I can’t express how grateful I am for your love and dedication to the family and what you do every day to keep us grounded and morally straight,” Beaurpere said to his wife, Amy. “I love you very much.”
He went on to convey his love and thanks to his four children.
“I know it has not been easy growing up a military child, but I can tell you that you will forge your journey forward in life,” said Beaurpere. “I believe you were born adaptable and more resilient than most kids out there as a result of your military life — I love you all so much.”
Beaurpere said it’s an absolute honor for him to join the ranks of such distinguished American Soldiers.
“As I look at the challenges to come, I continue to be driven by people and my purpose,” said Beaurpere. “My flame continues to burn, and I am steady and ready for the missions and tasks ahead.”