Pierson relinquishes command of 35th ID, celebrates 39 years of service

By Jennifer Archdekin
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - The passing of the 35th Infantry Division's colors from Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson to incoming commander Maj. Gen. John. E. Davoren also marked the end of a distinguished 39-year military career.

Leadership and representatives from the Kansas and Missouri Army National Guard gathered at Fort Leavenworth's parade field Saturday, Aug. 28 to witness the 35th ID change of command ceremony and to say farewell to a prominent Citizen-Soldier.

"It has been an honor to serve as the commander of the 35th Infantry Division," said Pierson. "I am proud of what we have accomplished and the high standards of performance these Soldiers have attained. I know that Maj. Gen. Davoren and the Soldiers of the 35th will continue to carry on this tradition."

Pierson has spent more than 14 years with the 35th ID.

"The best experience of my entire career was to be commander of the 35th Infantry Division," said Pierson. "It has been an honor to command the 35th over the past three years and nine months. As the commander, I have had the distinct privilege of serving with some of the best officers and noncommissioned officers the Guard has to offer."

Under Pierson's leadership, the 35th ID has taken the lead on several important National Guard missions and training events, including a year-long deployment to Kosovo and a successful overseas deployment for training to South Korea in support of Operation Key Resolve with just over two months notice. The 35th ID was fielded with the Army's Battle Command Systems, making them the first National Guard division to be fully fielded with the systems. During Pierson's command, the Division also assumed responsibility for designing one of the first two Domestic All-Hazards Response Teams in the National Guard.

"We have been tasked with numerous missions, some with very short response times, and some, like DART, which we essentially developed from concept to implementation," said Pierson. "But no matter the mission, when I asked this division staff to respond, they did, and with 110 percent effort and commitment to mission success. It has been that commitment and dedication that has put us out in front of other divisions. I am proud to have been a part of the work that we have done here and proud to have worked with so many outstanding young Soldiers, NCOs and officers."

Pierson is always quick to credit the Soldiers who work for him for his success as a commander. He says his interaction with other officers and NCOs throughout his career is what motivated him to be a leader.

"What has always inspired me most was my exposure to great NCOs and officers early in my career," said Pierson. "I learned many things from them, but most importantly I learned the philosophy that to succeed at any mission, you first have to take care of Soldiers. You have to set Soldiers up for success by giving them the training and tools they need to succeed."

Pierson said he has always been impressed by the opportunity senior leaders have to affect the lives of the young troops coming after them.

"As a young Soldier just getting in the military, I don't know that I had a goal other than just wanting to serve my country," Pierson said. "However, as time went on, I saw the opportunity that officers and senior noncommissioned officers had to affect the lives and development of our young Soldiers. To me, there's nothing more satisfying than to watch a young NCO or officer develop as a leader."

Families have always played an important role in Pierson's career, both his own family and the families of the troops who have worked for him.

"Taking care of Soldiers also means taking care of their families," said Pierson. "People that serve with me understand that my first priority is always Soldiers and their families."

"No Soldier is successful in the military without a supportive spouse or family," Pierson said. "I've been so very fortunate. If you look over my career, I could never have accomplished what I have without the support of my wife and family."

He admits that time away from family is a major sacrifice asked of every Soldier serving their country.

"I think what I regret most was what I missed with my wife and children," said Pierson. "I can never go back and make that up. Yet, you have to balance that with your love of country. Thank God we have families that understand that, and we have people like my wife who love this country and who know how important it is to support the Soldiers and their families who help us keep our freedom."

Pierson does not credit any one thing or person keeping him in the National Guard for so long other than his desire to serve his country.

"It was a privilege every day I got to put on this uniform and work alongside these quality young men and women serving today in our effort to keep this country free," said Pierson.

Following his military retirement, Pierson said he looks forward to traveling and spending more time with his wife, Margaret, and his family. Pierson and his wife reside in Maryville. They have four children: a daughter, Leslie, and her husband, Terry Henry; daughters Kellie and Emily, and a son, Gregory and his wife, Kassie. He also has three grandchildren Kinsey, Corey and Colby.

Pierson is employed by Energizer Battery Co. in Maryville and will continue work with them for two more years. He is a 1972 graduate from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He also earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

< View more photos