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Top Army general who was last US soldier to leave Afghanistan is suddenly leaving his post
By Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
The Army's commander of its forces in Europe and Africa — who was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 — is unexpectedly stepping down from his post after just 18 months in the job, the Army confirmed late Tuesday.Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Arm...
Key takeaway Army Europe and Africa and commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command, will relinquish his command on July 2, according to an Army statement provided to The Associated Press.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
For residents of Piney Point Village , the sudden departure of Gen. Christopher Donahue from his post as commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa may seem like a distant development, but it has implications for the local community. As a hub for international business and trade, the Houston area, which includes Piney Point Village, has a significant stake in global security and stability. Donahue's experience leading the 82nd Airborne division and overseeing the withdrawal from Afghanistan makes him a notable figure in the military community, and his departure may be felt in the region's veterans' networks and defense-related industries. Additionally, the fact that Donahue is the latest in a line of top military leaders to leave their posts under the current Defense Secretary's leadership may raise questions about the impact on local military installations and personnel.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Army's commander of its forces in Europe and Africa — who was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 — is unexpectedly stepping down from his post after just 18 months in the job, the Army confirmed late Tuesday.Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Arm...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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