Belvoir Eagle, October 15, 2020

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BELVOIR

www.belvoireagleonline.com

October 15, 2020

National Museum of the United States Army to open Veterans Day 2020 By U.S. Army

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he U.S. Army plans to open the National Museum of the United States Army on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020. Building construction and exhibit installations are now complete, and the museum is ready to open its doors to the public for the first time. The National Museum of the U.S. Army, located on a publicly accessible area of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, will be the first and only museum to tell the entire history of the U.S. Army since its establishment in 1775. “The U.S. Army and the American Soldier forged the birth of our nation,” said Secretary of the Army, Ryan D. McCarthy. “The National Photo by Duane Lempke Army Museum will be a place for An exterior shot of the National Museum of the United States Army. The members of the total Army family to U.S. Army plans to open the museum on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2020.

gather and share their stories, while also creating an opportunity for visitors to connect with our nation’s history through the eyes and voices of individual Soldiers.” The museum’s Experiential Learning Center will provide visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to participate in hands-on, educational and team-building activities in the areas of geography, science, technology, engineering and math. “The museum is stunning, and it is an honor to present this history in a way that shows the connection between the American Soldier, the U.S. Army and the nation,” said the museum’s director, Ms. Tammy E. Call. The museum will open with See Museum, page 10

Rhodes succeeds Epperly as 29th Infantry Division commander By Cotton Puryear Joint Force Headquarters – Virginia National Guard

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U.S. National Guard photo by Cotton Puryear

Maj. Gen. John M. Rhodes receives the 29th Infantry Division colors from Lt. Gen. Jon A. Jenson, Director of the Army National Guard, during the division’s change of command ceremony Oct. 3.

aj. Gen. John M. Rhodes took command of the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. John M. Epperly Oct. 3, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Lt. Gen. Jon A. Jensen, Director of the Army National Guard, presided over the change of command ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from Epperly to Rhodes. “For both Maj. Gen. Epperly and Maj. Gen. Rhodes, being a leader comes natural,” Jensen said. “Your ability to balance both your civilian and military roles serve as a testament to the concept of the Citizen-Soldier.” With COVID-19 health protections limiting the number of personnel attending the ceremony, Jensen recognized the brigade command teams present and thanked them for representing the thousands of Soldiers assigned to and affiliated

with the 29th. He also recognized the “encouragement, support and sacrifices” made by family members and, on behalf of a grateful Guard nation, thanked them for their service and patriotism. Jensen recognized Epperly for his 31 years as a maneuver warfare leader with successful commands at the company, battalion, brigade and division level including two combat deployments, and said his hard work, dedication, leadership and mentorship would have a lasting effect on the 29th Infantry Division and the National Guard for years to come. “You have displayed an unparalleled ability to successfully manage multiple organizations through difficult times of uncertainty, budgetary constraints, all the while meeting crucial operational commitments,” he said. “This experience as a division commander will serve you and us in the National Guard well as you assume your next assignment as the Deputy Commanding General, Army

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National Guard, for Army Futures Command.” Jensen told Epperly he was leaving the division in very capable hands with Rhodes as the new commander. “You have our complete trust and confidence as you assume command of the 29th Infantry Division,” Jensen said to Rhodes. “I know your operational and deployment experiences will serve you well as you take this division forward.” He also thanked all the Soldiers of the 29th on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the U. S. Army and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau for the tremendous service and sacrifice and continued support for the Army National Guard, the division and the entire nation. Jensen presented Epperly with the Distinguished Service Medal to recognize his outstanding tour of duty as the 29th ID commander. “In the past 30 months, the division has been involved in See Rhodes, page 4


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