September 22, 2007
By Spc. Elizabeth Gorenc, Indiana Army National Guard 38th Infantry Division Public Affairs
The command and colors of 38th Infantry Division Artillery marched together for the last time during the inactivation ceremony at the Indiana World War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis September 22.
As the winds of change continue to sweep through the division, DIVARTY cased it’s colors as part of the current Army-wide transformation.
“Change is a part of life; without change, life becomes obsolete. Change needs adaptability and flexibility,” said Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. “The casing of the colors today shows the Indiana Army National Guard’s ability to change for the better.”
“Soldiers before me are proving today that they are the best the United States of America has to offer by being capable of preserving the old morals of the Indiana National Guard, but accepting the new ideas of the transformation that is happening right before our eyes,” he added.
DIVARTY was originally activated as Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry, on 3 June 1916. The unit mustered into federal service 28 June 1916 for Mexican Border service. The unit was designated as Headquarters Company 152 Infantry 1 October 1917. It was inducted into Federal Service 17 January 1941, and inactivated 9 November 1945 at Camp Anza, Ca.
After that the unit was converted, reorganized and federally recognized 18 June 1947 as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 38th Division Artillery.
“This is a moment for nostalgia and reflection, but not sadness,” said Maj. Walter Finny, 38th Special Troops Battalion Executive Officer.
“Casing of the colors marks a moment in time,” said Maj. Gen. Richard B. Moorhead, Commanding General, 38th Infantry Division. “Today we are formally moving into a new era by turning the page in the 38th Cyclone Division to close one chapter and open another.”