Photo By Maj. William Carraway | Relinquishing responsibility as Command Sgt. Maj. of the Georgia Army National...... read more read more
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Soldiers, family members and guests of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade celebrated the career of Command Sgt. Maj. Wade McCord and welcomed incoming brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Cook to “The MEB”.
“It has been an honor to be part of this organization for 31 years,” said McCord. “But now it is time to start a new chapter. Life is full of change.”
McCord’s career began in 1986 with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. During his three years with the 75th, McCord deployed multiple times to Central America, Europe and the Middle East.
In 1989, McCord joined the Georgia Army National Guard. In 2009 he deployed to Afghanistan as Command Sgt. Maj. of the 1st Battalion 121st Infantry, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He assumed the responsibility as the fifth Command Sgt. Maj. of the 648th MEB in the fall of 2014.
“It has been an honor to serve with Command Sgt. Maj. McCord for the last two years,” said Col. John Gentry, commander of the 648th MEB. “He has served at all levels of NCO leadership. What set him apart was his ability to take charge without instruction.”
Colonel Gentry presented McCord with the Legion of Merit and the National Infantry Association Order of Saint Maurice. McCord also received a minuteman statue from Brig. Gen. Tom Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard and Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Marchert, Command Sgt. Maj. of the 78th Troop Command.
“I have been doing this 31 years and I have been to a lot of ceremonies,” said Carden. “I will tell you, we have never recognized two finer noncommissioned officers than we have here today.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Cook’s military career began in 1991. His initial assignment was with the 5th Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment. Joining the Georgia Army National Guard in 1996, Cook held many leadership positions in the 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment alongside then 1st Lt. John Gentry. Cook was appointed Command Sgt. Maj. of the 1-214th following the battalion’s deployment to Afghanistan in 2013.
“I would like to thank all my family and friends for attending today,” Said Cook. “You support me in every way. This day would not have been the same without you. I would like to thank Col. Gentry for his confidence and Command Sgt. Maj. McCord for his friendship and mentorship over the years.”
Cook’s appointment as the sixth Command Sgt. Maj. of the 648th MEB comes just weeks before units of the 648th MEB mobilize for overseas service. The 3rd ID Main Command Post Operational Detachment deploys for duty in Southwest Asia while the 648th MEB Headquarters Company is preparing for Exercise Saber Guardian in Europe.
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2017 02:24 |
| Story ID: | 237372 |
| Location: | FORT BENNING, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 620 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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