THE GRIFFON • Winter 2018 • 37 By SPC Tynisha L. Daniel Joint Base Lewis-McChord, W.A.— The 104th Training Division (Leader Training) held a historical change of command ceremony at Watkins Field on Sept. 23, 2017. Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Edwards II assumed command of the 104th from Brig. Gen. (Promotable) Darrell J. Guthrie. With Mount Rainier peeking from the clouds, and the sound of the Army Band setting the tone for the ceremonious event, the change of command commenced at 1500. After the honors and cannon salute, presentation of colors and passing of Command Colors, remarks were made by Commander Maj. Gen. Mark T. McQueen, 108th Training Command followed by the outgoing and incoming commanders. “Thank you for providing pure guidance and maximum space to design the mission,” said Guthrie, expressing his gratitude to his leadership, Soldiers and family during his remarks. ”I could not have had a better group of mentors and examples of selfless leadership,” The change of command ceremony uses the passing of colors (unit flags) to symbolize passing the command of the 104th Division between commanders. The passing of colors represents
104th Division (Leader Training) Brig. Gen. (Promotable) Darrell J. Guthrie relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Edwards with the passing of the colors during Change of Command ceremony today at Watkins Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Sept. 23,2017. U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tynisha Daniel
the lineage, honor and unity of the division and its Soldiers. The colors are passed from the command sergeant major to the outgoing commander and finally from the incoming back to the command sergeant major signifying the heritage. “You are the right leader
at the right time to take the Timberwolves to new heights,” said Guthrie in the closing of his remarks to Edwards. Currently comprised of two brigades and nine battalions throughout the United States, during his tenure as Commander of the 104th Guthrie reorganized
the division into what it is today. Guthrie also took the time to thank his biggest supporter, his wife Shari. “She has been my partner and best friend for almost thirty years, she is the ultimate Army Reserve wife,” said Guthrie.“You indeed epitomize that most cherished of