1st MSC Welcomes New Command Sergeant Major

Photo By 2nd Lt. Christian Ferrer Rivera | Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Munoz, Brig. Gen. Alberto C. Rosende, and Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando Santiago salute the Colors as the National Anthem is played during the 1st Mission Support Command Change of Responsibility Ceremony, September 10 at the Maxi Williams Field on Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.  

PUERTO RICO

09.10.2016

Story by Maj. Ruth Castro 

1st Mission Support Command

During a change of responsibility ceremony, the 1st Mission Support Command bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Munoz and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando Santiago as the commands new Command Sgt. Maj. , September 10, at Maxie Williams Field, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.
The Change of Responsibility ceremony is steeped in military tradition and serves the dual function of rendering honors to the departing command sergeant major and providing official recognition of the transfer of responsibility and authority as senior non-commissioned officer of the 1st Mission Support Command to the incoming command sergeant major. The symbol of his position is the NCO sword.
The passing of the non-commissioned officer sword, which perpetually remains in the care and control of the command sergeant major holding the most senior enlisted position of the 1st Mission Support Command, is key to the ceremony. Although command sergeant majors may come and go, the non-commissioned officer sword remains ever sharp and ready.
Before a crowd of leadership, Soldiers, family and friends, Munoz relinquished responsibility and authority of the 1st MSC to Santiago with the passing of the sword.
Brig. Gen. Alberto C. Rosende, commanding general for the 1st MSC, praised Munoz for his work ethic and commitment to the Soldiers during his remarks. He admired Munoz’ desire to consistently integrate training by matching capabilities with a real mission need across multiple partners.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Munoz is a quiet professional that goes about his business without much fanfare," said Rosende. "His focus on the Soldier and Family is admirable. He was constantly talking to Soldiers no matter where he was. He believed in understanding their perspectives, and truly took their comments and feedback and turned them into action to improve their condition or increase their training benefit.
Munoz enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in May of 1979. During his career, Munoz served in every leadership position from squad leader to command sergeant major. In his role as the 1st MSC command sergeant major, Munoz was the top enlisted Soldier for the 1st MSC and worked as an advocate for other enlisted Soldiers.
"My time here at the 1st MSC includes some amazing moments and memories but it is the people I will remember," said Munoz in his heartfelt comments. “It was always about the people. It was about the Soldiers who are well-trained but, at the end of the day, act out of faith in their leaders and each other; about the young sergeants who emerge from the ranks with strength, discipline, commitment and courage."
Munoz arrived at the 1st MSC in September 2013 from his previous position as the Command Sgt. Maj. of the 210th RSG. After thirty seven and a half years of service, Munoz will hang up his uniform and retire in the upcoming days.
“If I had to do this all over again, I would because I know my family would still support me,” said Munoz. “I believed in people, and I still believe in them now. I trusted, and I still trust. I cared, and I still care. I wouldn't have had it any other way.”
Munoz thanked Santiago for taking on this new challenge as the Command Sgt. Maj. of the 1st MSC. “It is a great honor to have you here and even though I will be retiring, I will always support you. I know that you will do incredible things for this Command,” concluded Munoz.
In his first address as the 1st MSC's Command Sgt. Maj., Santiago thanked Munoz and expressed his gratitude for all the accomplishments he has made through the years.
"It is with great humility and honor that I take this mantle and serve as your 1st MSC Command Sgt. Maj.," said Santiago. "To the officers, NCOs, and Soldiers of the 1st MSC, I look forward to earning your trust and confidence as I commit to serve and support you and your families. We will become ready, trained and deployable to engage and destroy the enemies of the United States wherever and whenever called upon.”
Before closing, Santiago challenged all Noncommissioned Officers to rise to the occasion and not accept or allow mediocrity within the formations. He urged them to lead from the front and lead by example with not only their words but their actions as well.
Santiago was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and is employed as a Detective with the City of Alexandria Police Department. He comes to the 1st MSC from the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in Orlando, Florida.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2016
• Date Posted: 09.10.2016 18:33
• Story ID: 209235
• Location: PR