FORT LIBERTY — This was a ceremony of assurance that whenever there’s the need, the XVIII Airborne Corps and the men and women in uniform on one of the largest military bases in the world will be there to answer that call.
They will be under the command of Lt. Gen. Gregory K. Anderson, who at 1:35 p.m. Friday became the 40th commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, succeeding Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who moves onward as commander of the U.S. Army Europe-Africa.
Donahue, 54, who served nearly three years as the military base commander, was scheduled on Saturday to depart Fort Liberty for Wiesbaden, Germany, headquarters for U.S. Army-Africa, and where he is expected for promotion as a four-star general.
“You are a better man, a hard act to follow,” Anderson told Donahue after a changing of the colors that unfolded before more than 500 people, including active-duty soldiers, veterans and political leaders from the Fayetteville community.
Anderson, according to his military resume, previously has served in a myriad of command positions, including assignments with the 7th Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, United States Special Operations Command, the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), United States Central Command, United States Africa Command and the 10th Mountain Division (Light). Anderson has deployed 17 times, including assignments in Haiti, Bosnia and Iraq.
“It’s a great responsibility,” said Anderson, San Jose, California, native and a 1991 U.S. Military Academy graduate. “We will not be distracted. Whenever the nation calls on the U.S., we will answer that call. Gen. Donahue, please accept my heartfelt congratulations for your command. This corps was always ready to answer your command. Best of luck as you transition overseas — godspeed.”
‘It starts at the top’
Gen. Andrew Poppas, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command on the military base, reminded all in attendance that the XVIII Airborne Corps is always ready to defend this nation with “tenacity and focus.”
He looked Donahue’s way, at the American soldier who deployed 20 times and oversaw the final withdrawal of U.S. soldiers from the long war in Afghanistan and was the last soldier to board a C-17 cargo aircraft on Aug. 30, 2021, at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.
“It starts at the top,” Poppas said. “C.D. has spent 18 years here with his soldiers, and a third of that time C.D. was deployed. C.D. and Mrs. Donahue … thank you.” He looked at the couple’s five children. “Kids, thank you for sharing your dad.”
He looked Anderson’s way.
“Today, Greg starts the next chapter of readiness,” Poppas said. “He’s a proven combat leader. He possesses keen strategic insight. Greg, your soldiers and America are counting on you.”
Donahue was humble in preparing to leave the military base, his soldiers and the neighboring Fayetteville community that is home to so many retired veterans who have served on Fort Liberty.
“The rest of my life people are going to say, ‘Donahue, I heard you were commander of the 18th,’” he said. “I will say, ‘People of the 18th are people willing to go anywhere in the world for a nation in crisis.’ I say it’s not about me. It’s about people I worked with. People will say, ‘How did you do it?’”
Donahue looked toward soldiers throughout the room.
“It was our people,” he said. “Our bosses gave us guidance. There were incredible units. Everyone you see up here has been deployed. I could have slept every day, and they would have done their job.”
A leader to remember
Donahue would remember those in this community, too, for support of Fort Liberty soldiers, and this community would remember Donahue.
Retired Gen. Dan K. McNeill described Donahue as an extraordinary military leader.
“He’s seen everything and he sees beyond the clouds,” said McNeill, the four-star general who grew up in Duplin County and commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, the XVIII Airborne Corps, the U.S. Army Forces Command, the Coalition Forces, Afghanistan from 2002 to 2003 and the U.S. Army Forces Command from 2004 to 2007. “He’s extraordinary.”
McNeill, who resides in Fayetteville, said that while Donahue will be missed on Fort Liberty, Donahue’s leadership as commander of the U.S. Army Europe-Africa “will be good for the country.”
N.C. Sen. Val Applewhite is a U.S. Air Force veteran. She sat alongside Tywanna Frazier, who worked as executive administrator for Donahue.
“I’ve met many generals,” Applewhite said before the ceremony. “I’ve seen him with the highest of officers to the young troops. You just can’t capture him in words. I will miss him tremendously.”
Frazier echoed the sentiment.
“I will miss how he takes care of his soldiers,” Frazier said, “and how he mentored his soldiers. I’m going to miss him.”
Dan Dederick is a retired Marine who is currently a civilian aide to the Army for North Carolina.
“I will miss his leadership,” Dederick said. “I’ve never seen somebody in so many places.”
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chair Kirk deViere joined with fellow commissioners Pavan Patel, Henry Tyson and Veronica Jones in remembering Donahue for immersing himself into the Cumberland County community.
“C.D. and his family are part of our community,” said deViere, 54, a military veteran. “His leadership brought our military community even closer together because he truly understands what makes our county special and the amazing connection we’ve always had with our service members. You could always count on him to reach out and find ways to work together.”
Epilogue
Friday’s farewell would belong to Donahue’s family and his soldiers.
“I have decades and decades of friends in and out of uniform,” Donahue said in poignant remarks before casting his eyes toward his wife, Devon, and five children. “I have unlimited love for my family, and in the last several months, my unlimited love has grown more.”
You could feel this tender moment, when a decorated American soldier was simply a proud husband and father.
Then, a last farewell to his XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty soldiers.
“Obviously, it’s very difficult to say goodbye,” Donahue said, his voice choking. “I’ll miss you. Airborne all the way.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961
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Bill, once again, you captured the moment. Our community and Fort Liberty have been fortunate and blessed to have General Donahue amongst us. C.D. is a world class General Officer and stands along side others greats such as McNeill and Shelton who have meant so much to Fort Liberty and our nation. As it was said at the ceremony, Godspeed to General Donahue.
Why they would want to destroy this Warrior Leader’s legacy is beyond me. As a retired CW5, I’ve seen many senior leaders come and go. General C.D. is one of those unique senior leader that can be counted on to do what’s right for those he leads. I honor your commitment to lead our Soldiers Sir. Your legacy is assured. Thank you.