Photo By Maj. Joe Legros | U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Pablo Estrada, commanding general of Task Force 46, Michigan...... read more read more
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MEDFORD, OREGON – “The opportunity to promote my son while on this mission is truly a special highlight.”
A group of service members consisting of Marines, Coast Guard, Army and Navy watched closely in eager anticipation. Together with members of the Jackson County Health Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the moment had arrived for a very special promotion in Medford, Oregon, June 6, 2021.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Pablo Estrada, commanding general of Task Force 46, Michigan National Guard, customarily, placed the sergeant rank firmly and proudly upon his son’s uniform. Newly promoted Sgt. Christopher Estrada, assigned to the 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element, 63rd Troop Command, gladly accepted the new rank, allowing a subtle grin to develop over his face.
As a new non-commissioned officer, Sgt. Estrada read the NCO creed for everyone to hear, emphasizing a few key phrases, such as the last one, “We are professionals, non-commissioned officers, leaders!” The audience of military and civilian personnel applauded in congratulations after he finished.
Sgt. Estrada recently attached to Task Force 46 in support of the COVID vaccination mission, assisting FEMA in Medford, OR to provide vaccinations at community vaccination sites. As a public affairs specialist, Estrada’s primary job is to highlight the role of service members by taking photos, producing videos and writing articles about their vaccination efforts.
After recently deploying to the Middle East last year, Sgt. Estrada jumped at the opportunity to deploy within his own country.
“It’s been nice to experience two very different deployments within such a short time frame,” said Sgt. Estrada.
The fact that he serves under the command of his father is not lost on the younger Estrada.
“I’ve been in the Michigan National Guard for over 4 years now,” said Sgt. Estrada. “But this is the first time my dad has been in my chain of command. We keep in contact over the phone and texting, but to see him today in the field is great.”
“It’s especially nice to get promoted by my dad,” added Sgt. Estrada.
While the younger Estrada is still getting his feet wet in the military, his father has seen many promotions throughout over thirty years of service in the Army. However, this promotion will undoubtedly stand out in his mind.
“Of course, I wanted my son to follow in my footsteps and enlist in the military,” said Maj. Gen. Estrada. “I’m proud to be able to watch him grow into a leader and join the NCO Corps.”
Maj. Gen. Estrada commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1988, then started his military career abroad, serving as a company fire support officer for Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, in Schweinfurt, Germany. He then served at Fort Hood, Texas with 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery. He and his family relocated to Michigan in 1996.
Maj. Gen. Estrada has served as the commander of Task Force 46 since December 2020, when he assumed command and the COVID mission in support of FEMA’s vaccination efforts.
Meanwhile, his son enjoys the opportunity to serve his country in the homeland. In his 4 years of service, Sgt. Estrada has travelled overseas twice in support of training exercises and also deployed last year for a 9 month tour in Operation Inherent Resolve.
“In a really short time, the military has sent me all over the place,” said Sgt. Estrada. “Not just in the U.S., but also to Poland and Romania, and then last year to the Middle East.”
This time around, the COVID mission has given him an opportunity to work with civilian partners as well, not just military counterparts.
Maj. Gen. Estrada added, “Our partnership with FEMA, state and local officials is significant. The manner and scope of support of DOD to these entities has quickly evolved to ensure success in this critical mission of nursing support to hospitals and supporting community vaccination sites.”
Maj. Gen. Estrada’s visit to the Medford vaccination center is part of a leadership circulation where he met with military and civilian leadership and personnel running three centers located in Pueblo, CO, Medford, OR and Minneapolis, MN.
“I wanted to personally thank the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines at these sites. Also, the civilian and government personnel for their leadership on this mission,” said Maj. Gen. Estrada. “In some cases, people have been away from their homes and family for 3 months. Their work is honorable and noble, serving their country when needed at home. ”
“The opportunity to promote my son while on this mission is a special highlight,” he added.
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.10.2021 14:09 |
| Story ID: | 398349 |
| Location: | MEDFORD, OR, US |
| Hometown: | BATTLE CREEK, MI, US |
| Hometown: | DETROIT, MI, US |
| Hometown: | LANSING, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 412 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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