The 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley is now under new command following Thursday morning’s Change of Command Ceremony.

During the ceremony Maj. Gen. Paul E Funk II passed the 1st ID Colors to Maj Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr. symbolizing the passing of the command.

Outgoing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Paul E Funk II is heading to Washington D.C.  where he will serve as the U.S. Army’s assistant deputy chief of staff for operations and plans.

“I want to share probably the best Philosopher that I’ve ever known, Dr. Seuss, who said ‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.’ Beth and I have a lot to smile about,” said Funk. “Fort Riley and the Big Red One will always be our home. We will never forget the soldiers, families and community members of Fort Riley and the Flint Hills Region.”

Maj. Gen. Grigsby comes to Fort Riley following his most recent assignment as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 in Washington DC. He has never served at Fort Riley but he is familiar with the 1st Infantry Division after spending over five years attached to the 1st Infantry Division while the headquarters were still in Germany.

“Really I never really stopped being a Big Red One Soldier. After serving with the 1st ID, the best Infantry Division in the Army for over five years, the spirit and traditions of this exceptional unit are tattooed on my heart and in my spirit. It is an honor, and I am humbled to be here today,” said Grigsby.

Grigsby told the media following the ceremony that he is excited about the training opportunities available at Fort Riley.

“I flew over the training area just yesterday, and I just wish I was a Company Commander here when I was a Company Commander. I was a Company Commander at Fort Stewart, this place, hands down. We will be able to build companies and battalions that can do their mission here.”

He went on to say that he is looking forward to becoming a part of Fort Riley and the surrounding area.