FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The 46th commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, will relinquish command of the world’s only air assault division to Maj. Gen. Brian Winski, in a ceremony on Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.
Under Poppas’ leadership, the 101st Abn. Div. deployed soldiers to combat, contingency and peacekeeping missions around the world, to include Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan, dozens of training and partnership missions on the African and European continents, and hurricane and disaster relief missions in Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Most recently, Poppas and the division’s headquarters returned from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan, where they served at the fore of the conditions-based U.S. South Asia Strategy and the NATO-led, 41-nation Resolute Support mission.
In addition to overseeing the train, advise and assist mission and supporting the Afghan National Defense Security Forces, the “Screaming Eagles” synchronized U.S. counterterrorism operations, keeping America safe and setting the conditions for a political and peaceful settlement to the Afghanistan conflict.
Winski is no stranger to Fort Campbell or the Kentucky-Tennessee region. He served in the 101st Abn. Div. for over 12 years, including as 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Abn. Div. 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, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
Poppas, from Jamesville, and Winski, from Milwaukee, are both natives of Wisconsin, also the same state the famous Wisconsin War Eagle, nicknamed “Old Abe,” originated. Since 1921, “Old Abe’s” head, in profile, has served as the shoulder sleeve insignia for the division.