FORT DRUM — The post's garrison command will change hands next week ahead of the 10th Mountain Division headquarters' deployment to Iraq.

At a 10 a.m. ceremony Tuesday, Col. Kenneth Riddle will assume command from Col. David J. Clark, who is deploying with headquarters for a 15-month tour this May. The public is invited to the event at the Magrath Gymnasium and the reception that will follow.

Col. Riddle is transferring from the office of Director of the Army staff at the Pentagon, where he served as executive officer.

He graduated from The Citadel military college in South Carolina in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He later received a master's degree in business administration from Syracuse University and a master's degree in national security strategy from the National War College, Washington, D.C.

After graduating from The Citadel, he served with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan., the 3rd Infantry Division in Schweifurt, Germany, and the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. During his time with the 1st Cavalry Division, he completed a six-month tour in Bosnia.

Col. Riddle then was assigned to the headquarters of the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, in the policy and plans directorate.

In May 2002, he assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany, and deployed to Iraq with that unit.

Col. Riddle then served as aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the U.S. Army Europe in Heidelberg, Germany, before returning to the U.S. to attend the National War College and work at the Pentagon.

His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and NATO Medal.