Leaders and representatives from the Kansas and Missouri Army National Guard community gathered on Fort Leavenworth’s Main Parade Aug. 28 to witness the 35th Infantry Division’s change of command ceremony.
Outgoing 35th ID Commander Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson handed over division reins to Maj. Gen. John. E. Davoren, who most recently served as assistant adjutant general-Army and commander of the Kansas Army National Guard.
“I am honored to be the next commander of the 35th Infantry Division,” Davoren said. “The unit performed in an outstanding manner during the Kosovo deployment, and the leaders and soldiers have continued to build on that success while accomplishing all missions through the last two years. I know that we will do well with the challenges ahead of us.”
Davoren was commissioned in 1976 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. After completion of the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School, he served as a rifle platoon leader in the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and as executive officer of the 1st Aviation Battalion at Fort Riley, Kan.
Since joining the Kansas Army National Guard, Davoren’s assignments have included command at the company, battalion and brigade levels as well as deputy commanding general of the 35th ID.
Davoren received his bachelor of science in business accounting from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree in personnel management from Central Michigan University and a second master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Davoren and his wife, Debra, live in Lansing, Kan. They have two children, daughter Jennifer of Houston, and son Kyle of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Pierson said he is sad to leave the military after 39 years of service, but knows the 35th ID is in good hands.
“It has been an honor to serve as the commander of the 35th Infantry Division,” Pierson said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and the high standards of performance these Soldiers have attained. I know that the Major General Davoren and the Soldiers of the 35th will continue to carry on this tradition.”
Pierson said he is looking forward to traveling and spending more time with his family and perfecting his woodworking skills. He will also continue working for his civilian employer, Energizer Battery Company, for two more years.
