Photo By David Hernandez | Service members, civilians, families, and local and regional community leaders...... read more read more
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FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO- Service members, civilians, families, and local and regional community leaders participated in the 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC) New about Year's Reception at the command's headquarters Jan. 24.
Some of the distinguished guests included Kandyia Rivera, representing Hon. Stacey E. Plaskett, U.S. Virgin Islands congresswoman; Hansel Perez, Dominican Republic Vice Consul; Luis Soto, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, Brig. Gen retired Fernando Fernández, United States Army Reserve Ambassador for Puerto Rico; Brig. Gen. Carlos Torres, Puerto Rico National Guard Land Component Commander; Col. John D. Samples, Fort Buchanan, commanding officer; Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Betty, U.S. Army Reserve command sergeant major; and Command Sgt. Maj. Kimberly Bergman-Gándara, Fort Buchanan command sergeant major.
Brig. Gen. Carlos Gorbea, 1st MSC Commanding Officer, and Command Sgt.Maj. Lorraine C. Smith, 1st MSC command sergeant major, hosted the reception and effusively welcomed the participants while members of the Puerto Rico National Guard band played background music.
"This is an evening to share. George Washington had a similar event in the past when he assembled all his commanders and leadership and brought them together to break bread, share a drink, reminisce about the past year, and look ahead into the year forward," said Gorbea.
The region's senior Army Reserve officer also reflected about the relevance of the 1st MSC.
"Since 1922, the Army Reserve has been an integral part of our Nation's defense right here in the Caribbean alongside the Puerto Rico National Guard, providing support in times of war and national crises. In 2025, we will continue to build combat-ready formations, mobilizing and deploying troops on time, adapting, transforming, modernizing the force," added Gorbea.
Meanwhile, Smith highlighted some of the command and its troops' achievements.
"We have two Soldiers from the command standing among the six highest-rated Soldiers in academics and fitness at the U.S. Army’s Drill Sergeant Academy, out of one hundred Soldiers who participated," said Smith proudly.
Participating in the New Year's Reception was an honor for the Dominican Republic Vice Consul.
"I am very grateful for the invitation to participate in this event. I acknowledge the relationship of the command with the Dominican Republic and other countries in the region. For us it is much more than an honor and satisfaction to participate in representation of our general consul César Cedeño. We like Fort Buchanan so much that we are asking for a future visit to get to know the installation better," said Pérez.
The New Year's reception evolved from a tradition that started when Army installations were remote outposts, and social events were rare. The commanding officer hosted a reception at his quarters on New Year's Day, which was the year's top social event.
The Army has moved away from New Year's Day receptions because of other commitments attendees may have, but nearly every command worldwide has a special event to wish the military and their neighboring civilian communities a happy new year.
The 1st MSC is a multifunctional organization comprised of dedicated professionals who deploy globally and engage regionally to provide support to the Nation.
(U.S. Army Reserve Story by Carlos Cuebas)
(U.S. Army Reserve Photo by David Hernandez)
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.07.2025 11:32 |
| Story ID: | 489702 |
| Location: | GUAYNABO, PR |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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