There will be a change of command ceremony Thursday afternoon on Fort Campbell as Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas hands over the reins of the 101st Airborne Division to Maj. Gen. Brian Winski.
It’s set for 1p.m., when Winksi will become the historic division’s 46th commanding general.
Post officials note that under Poppas’ leadership, the 101st deployed soldiers to missions around the world, to include Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan, and hurricane and disaster relief missions in Puerto Rico and on the mainland.
Maj. Gen. Winksi previously served in the 101st for over 12 years, including as 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team commander both at home and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His last assignment to Fort Campbell was in 2009 when he served as the division operations officer, deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His most recent assignment was the Chief Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Army.
The incoming and outgoing commanders are both Wisconsin natives.