The 1st Infantry Division welcomed in its new Command Sergeant Major Joseph Cornelison and bid farewell to outgoing Command Sergeant Major Michael A. Grinston Friday afternoon.

Despite a light rain the Victory Honors Ceremony went on in front of the 1st ID Headquarters building on Fort Riley.

Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, told the crowd that rain is good luck and he was told that during his change of command ceremony 20 months ago in South Africa.

“African proverb, rain brings good luck, and this was good luck then, and this is good luck today,” said Grigsby. “Good luck to the great Grinston family as they go on to I Corps to continue to lead soldiers, and good luck for the 1st Infantry Division as we welcome in a new Command Sergeant Major.”

CSM Cornelison comes to the 1st Infantry Division after most recently serving as the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division’s senior noncommissioned officer. He explained he’s excited to join the 1st Infantry Division.

“Well me being an Infantryman it’s a privilege to a part of the premier Infantry Division on the planet, you know the Big Red One,” said Cornelison. “Ever since I was a kid watching movies about World War II, the Big Red One, the history and heritage, it’s just awesome, awesome.”

CSM Cornelison was hand-picked by Maj. Gen. Grigsby out of a list of four other candidates. Grigsby said that Cornelison was a perfect fit and his record spoke for himself.