AUGUST 14, 2026 – Soldiers, family members, and former classmates of Lt. Gen. Mark Landes were on hand Aug. 7 to celebrate his long and distinguished career during relinquishment of command and retirement ceremonies at Quarters One.
His 40 years of service to the nation began as a cadet at the United States Military Academy and continued through a variety of positions and commands at nearly all levels, culminating in overseeing the training and readiness of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard as First Army commanding general.
Western Hemisphere Command Commanding General, Gen. Joseph Ryan, reflected on the sizable impact that all this had on the Army.
“Mark devoted his skill, fortitude, and courage to the First Army mission as Division East commanding general, then as acting commanding general, and now commanding general,” Ryan said. “Mark’s direction, guidance, inspiration, and leadership never wavered. He has been the primary steward of and advocate for this command’s role in America’s defense for as long as anyone.”
Retired Army General Daniel Allyn, who served with Landes in various roles, stressed that Landes embodied service and commitment wherever he went.
“I have had the good fortune to work closely with Mark over the past 15 years,” Allyn said. “I feel very humbled and blessed to join his throng of admirers as we honor Team Landes’ transition to the next phase of service leadership. Many can recite the Soldiers’ Creed and the Army Values. Mark embodies them by his daily actions.”
Landes touched on a tragic moment from his days at as a platoon leader at the military academy, when one of his cadets died as the result of a lightning strike. He recalled, “I knew then that I wanted to serve Soldiers the rest of my life.”
And serve them he did, assuming leadership roles in mechanized, light, airborne, and Stryker formations. He commanded at every level from company to a three-star headquarters and he led by example during deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, and Haiti.
His tours included roles of increasing responsibility in Germany, Geogia, and Hawaii. He was instrumental in the successful standing up of the Army’s first Stryker brigade, then served as instructor at the Australian School of Infantry.
Landes continued his legacy of service by commanding the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment in Iraq, followed by a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division.
He also held many vital strategic roles, including executive officer to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, and commander of the Security Force Assistance Command, where he spearheaded the establishment of the Army’s Security Force.
His many awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Army Staff Identification Badge.
It all added up to a stellar career that left a lasting impression on the Soldiers he served with and which closed with many of them returning to send him off with a heartfelt farewell.
Story by Warren Marlow
First Army