Those who keep a flow chart on their refrigerators know this year has seen many a change in the command structure at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. If you have been keeping your ceremony invitations, you could construct an exhibit that would rival any holiday card display.

Yesterday, as we were frantically trying to get our publications to press, yet another command change happened at JBLM. The 7th Infantry Division held a farewell ceremony for Brig. Gen. William K. Gayler, deputy commanding general for support, at the French Theater. Gayler served as the 7th ID deputy commanding general for support since the division re-activation in October 2012.

According to a story filed by Staff Sgt. Mark Miranda out of the 7th Inf. Div., Gayler's next assignment will be as director, officer personnel management, at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Ky.

The farewell for Gayler included honors, with cannon salutes by Battery B from 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade.

Maj. General Terry Ferrell, 7th ID commanding general, presented the Legion of Merit to Gayler for his service to the Bayonet Division.

"Bill Gayler helped form the division footprint," Ferrell said. "He put plans, policies and procedures in place, giving guidance and direction on where this organization needed to go."

Read Miranda's full story here.

See Also

Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza officially commands I Corps at JBLM

Maj. Gen. Terry Ferrell assumes command of 7th Infantry Division at JBLM