A new leader took over First Army today. Lieutenant General Stephen Twitty became the 38th commanding general at a change of command ceremony on Arsenal Island.
First Army serves as a mobilization, readiness and training command.
Twitty comes to First Army from Fort Bliss, Texas, where he served as commanding general of the lst Armored Division and the Army Garrison.
He takes over from Lieutenant General Michael Tucker who plans to retire after 44 years in the Army - Tucker has led First Army for three years.
Tucker became choked up during his remarks at the ceremony, thanking his wife and reflecting on how the service has changed over the years. He enlisted at the age of 17, and says the Army is far better today.
TUCKER1.mp3
It's because of the great leaders the Army's had. We treat soldiers with dignity and respect today at a level that I've never seen in my life. I am absolutely proud to be part of an organization that is able to do that and stand as an example to the American people.
