Photo By Sgt. Earledison Irabagon | FORT HOOD, Texas – With a heart full of gratitude and a legacy of profound...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas – With a heart full of gratitude and a legacy of profound transformation, Command Sergeant Major Osmil C. Sazon passed the mantle of responsibility for the 9th Hospital Center during a Change of Responsibility ceremony on October 3, 2025. For the past two years, CSM Sazon has guided the “Longhorns” of the 9th Hospital Center (HC), fundamentally reshaping the unit into a premier medical force within Army Medicine through a comprehensive focus on Soldier development, operational readiness, and a deeply ingrained culture of care.
During his farewell address, CSM Sazon reflected on the principles that guided his command. "Over the last two years, I learned three valuable lessons while on this job," he shared with the assembled Soldiers, families, and distinguished guests. "Leadership is not about the glory of command; it’s about the responsibility of service. It's about making tough decisions, inspiring others to reach their full potential, and always putting the mission and the team first. The real measure of success is not the medal or award you received; it is about how you are loved by your people. Your influence is measured not by how high you climb, but by how many people climb because of you."
His tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to this philosophy, resulting in a unit distinguished not only by its operational capabilities, but also by its care for its people. As he concluded his remarks, Sazon expressed his confidence in the unit's future under the new leadership of CSM Ledford. "To the new Longhorns 7, I am confident that CSM Ledford is the right leader for the Longhorns 7 job, to continue our legacy of excellence."
CSM Sazon’s leadership philosophy, which centers on the principle that effective teamwork in combat directly correlates with survival and mission success, produced exceptional and measurable results. Under his guidance, the 9th Hospital Center became a force to be reckoned with in competitive military environments. The unit's list of accomplishments is extensive, as Sazon noted with pride: "our beloved Hospital Center produced and won the III Corps Soldier of the Year, 1st MED BDE Best Medic, Best Squad, Best Safety, and Best Retention."
A crowning achievement was Specialist Leonyn Ojeda being named the III Corps Soldier of the Year7. This came after a grueling Best Squad Competition at Fort Riley, Kansas, which included events like "physical fitness, panels, land navigation and chemical defense drills." CSM Sazon explained that while the team placed third overall, the most significant outcome was that "Ojeda was the Soldier overall" for the entire III Corps, a testament to the unit’s rigorous preparation and CSM Sazon’s comprehensive Soldier development programs.
Perhaps one of CSM Sazon’s most impactful achievements was tackling the Army's widespread retention challenges head-on. Recognizing that retention issues had plagued units for years, he implemented innovative programs centered on care and professional development. A cornerstone of this effort was the establishment of the unit's first Non-Commissioned Officer Summit, which created a structured environment for mentorship and addressed the factors that led Soldiers to leave the service. This holistic approach, which also included enhanced training and improved unit cohesion, positioned the 9th Hospital Center as a model for retention best practices within Army Medicine.
CSM Sazon’s strategic vision extended far beyond traditional responsibilities, encompassing a sophisticated understanding of modern military medical operations. This was particularly evident during the Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise (JEMX), a complex, multi-service training event where the 9th Hospital Center has participated for five consecutive years.
During the 2024 JEMX, CSM Sazon articulated the importance of the exercise. "The focus of the JEMX training was to enhance the ready medical force and strengthen the relationship between 9th Hospital Center, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Air Force, Navy, and other multinational emergency response personnel.” He emphasized the goal of creating "a united front to help support our war fighters.”
The 2024 exercise was an ambitious undertaking, with the 9th HC establishing a 64-bed field hospital in austere conditions to provide realistic training. The scenarios were derived from two decades of actual combat cases, ensuring authenticity and relevance. Medical teams faced complex battlefield extractions followed by immediate trauma care under simulated enemy fire, pushing them to demonstrate technical precision and rapid decision-making.
Innovation in logistics and mobility was another hallmark of CSM Sazon's leadership. In April 2024, the 9th HC conducted groundbreaking mobility training for the 11th Field Hospital, focusing on the rapid deployment of assets. CSM Sazon championed a vision of cross-trained medical personnel, ensuring that specialists like "medics or OR (operating room) techs and lab techs" also acquired essential logistical skills. This training included operating tactical vehicles to transport medical containers and supplies. According to a U.S. Army report, Soldiers learned "how to put CONEXs (container, express) on trailers, so they not only have to know their medical skills, but also some of these essential logistical skills to set up the hospital." This innovative approach effectively doubled the unit's transport capacity and significantly improved deployment timelines, reinforcing the vital principle that "mobility is life" in military medicine.
A deep commitment to developing future leaders was a constant throughout CSM Sazon’s command. He understood that the strength of the unit lay in the capability and professionalism of its Non-Commissioned Officer Corps. The creation of the 9th HC's first NCO Summit was a landmark initiative, providing systematic opportunities for career development, mentorship, and leadership enhancement.
His philosophy was about creating opportunities for growth. The Best Squad Competition, for instance, was designed not merely as a skills test but as a leadership laboratory. "I wanted to instill in our troops that this competition is not to merely test their existing skills, but to demonstrate to the Army what the 9th Hospital Center can do when they work together," CSM Sazon stated in a DVIDS interview about the event. This dual-purpose approach maximized training value while identifying emerging leaders.
In his farewell speech, he gave specific thanks to the leaders who make the unit run day-to-day. "To the dedicated 9th Hospital Center Commanders, 1SGs/DET Sgts, and primary staff, who keep the wheels turning behind the scenes, your contributions have been invaluable," CSM Sazon said. "You've turned visions into reality and obstacles into steppingstones."
Throughout his speech, CSM Sazon emphasized that no leader succeeds alone. He began by thanking God and his loving wife. "I would like to thank my lovely wife. You are the masterpiece my heart was destined to create, the love of my soul born to experience," he said.
He extended heartfelt thanks to a long list of mentors, fellow CSMs, and SGMs who provided guidance and support throughout his journey. He also made a special point to recognize the often-unseen support system of the unit. "Next, I would like to recognize the exceptional people who support our leaders, often behind-the-scenes, our Families," he stated. "They contribute directly to the success of their Army leader, to the organization, and to the community. Thank you to all the spouses and children, we appreciate your steadfast support."
But his deepest gratitude was reserved for the Soldiers of the 9th Hospital Center. "To all the Longhorns Soldiers who serve in this unit, you are the backbone of this organization," he proclaimed. "Your dedication, your resilience, and your steadfast commitment to our mission have been nothing short of inspiring. We've achieved things that seemed impossible, and it's all thanks to your hard work and team spirit." He urged the incoming CSM to cherish this incredible team. "CSM Ledford, you're inheriting a team of exceptional individuals," Sazon said. "Their skills are matched only by their unwavering dedication to the mission. Lead them with the respect they deserve, and they will move mountains for you."
Beyond the gates of Fort Hood, CSM Sazon led the unit in forging strong community partnerships, including working with Habitat for Humanity, the Adopt the School program, placing and removing wreaths at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, and feeding the homeless in Killeen.
As he prepared to leave the stage, CSM Sazon’s final words encapsulated a career of dedicated service and immense pride in his unit and his country. "May God continue to richly bless each of you, our great Nation, and those who serve them," he said.
"Proud to be a Longhorns, a Silver Knight, and a Phantom Warrior! CSM Sazon... Signing out!"
His departure marks the end of an era for the 9th Hospital Center, but his legacy of transformational leadership, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to his Soldiers has established a foundation for continued success for years to come.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2025 06:12 |
| Story ID: | 549959 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | KILLEEN, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Legacy of Service: Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Osmil C. Sazon Concludes His Transformational Tenure at the 9th Hospital Center, by LTC Sabas Salgado, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
