Story & Video: Passing of the Colors, 'Ball of Fire' burns on

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney accepts the 40th Infantry Division colors from Command Sgt. Maj. Refugio Rosas during the division's change of command ceremony, May 15, at Camp Roberts. Leeney succeeds Maj. Gen. Laura L. Yeager, right, in a ceremony officiated by Cal Guard's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Jack J. Adamyk and Staff Sgt. Lani Pascual)

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Lani Pascual
Video by Sgt. Jack Adamyk
40th Infantry Division Public Affairs

June 1, 2022

CAMP ROBERTS, Calif.— The Sunburst Division welcomed U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney as their new commander during a change of command ceremony at Camp Roberts on May 15, 2022. Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager, the outgoing commander since June 2019, passed the colors to Leeney in the formal transfer of authority and responsibility.

“I was listening to the history of the 40^th Division, which is always fascinating to hear of all of the things that Division Soldiers have been doing over the last hundred years, and it struck me; in the last 35 months that Gen. Yeager has been in command, she’s had to do pretty much everything that the Division has done over the last hundred years,” said Baldwin.

During Yeager’s tutelage, the Division deployed overseas, fought wildfires, responded to mudslides, assisted in domestic support within the state and the nation’s Capital, and combated COVID-19.

When Yeager took the podium, she spoke of her Soldiers’ professionalism and dedication, sharing that service is not easy, but it is a calling to step up and make a difference.

“To say the last three years have been historic and unprecedented would be an extreme understatement,” said Yeager. “It is indeed an honor to be part of the legacy of this great Division, and all of the work you did set conditions for us to be the successful organization we are today.”

During COVID-19 efforts alone, division members administered more than 250,000 tests, 1.4 million vaccinations, and served 2.5 million meals to communities. In addition to those operations, the 40^th ID also participated in multiple fire activations, attended various military exercises and deployed to the Middle East, Cuba, and Poland.

“I am in awe of all of you,” Yeager said. “None of these achievements would be possible without the outstanding leaders at every level of this organization.”

While Yeager’s leadership will be missed, Leeney is more than familiar with the Division’s Soldiers and 105 years of history. The incoming commander served as the chief of staff from 2014-2018 and deputy commanding general-operations since January 2019.

Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Division present the colors at the change of command ceremony.

Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Division present the colors at the change of command ceremony.

“It is indeed an honor to be part of the legacy of this great Division, and all of the work you did set conditions for us to be the successful organization we are today.”
– Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager

Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager recognized the Division's achievements over the past 3 years during her speech.

Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager recognized the Division's achievements over the past 3 years during her speech.

“None of these achievements would be possible without the outstanding leaders at every level of this organization.”
– Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager

A graduate of Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Arts in History, he served in South Korea and Egypt during his 8 years of active-duty service and joined the California National Guard in 1999.

“I can’t possibly convey my personal pride in assuming command of this great division today,” said Leeney, speaking to the troops for the first time as their commander. “We have a great history in this organization, but I also know there is much more to come.”

Leeney remains passionate about the division’s famed combat history, lineage and reputation in three major historic conflicts – WWI, WW2 and South Korea.

Listing upcoming division missions, he highlighted support to the 79^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s rotation and a second Urban Operations Planners’ Course.

“I am excited and honored at the opportunity to work with really great Soldiers across the division at large, many of whom were represented at the change of command,” he said. “I am humbled and now that the pomp and circumstance of the ceremony is over, we can get back to work.”