FORT DOUGLAS, Utah - On Sunday, August 11, Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Fred Maiocco officially took command of the 76th Operational Response Command during an assumption of command ceremony held at the parade field here.
Numerous Soldiers, visitors, family members and special guests were in attendance for the event. Among them was Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, who was the guest of honor for the historic ceremony.
"Today is all about leadership, because leadership makes a difference," said Roper. "This ceremony represents the pinnacle of career achievement for the incoming commander as he begins his tenure, and it is significant because it is a public demonstration of the continuity of leadership. This ceremony represents the promise that this command will be steadfast in meeting the Nation's requirements regardless of the turnover within the ranks."
Roper took the opportunity to congratulate and thank Brig. Gen. Doug Cherry, deputy commanding general, 76th ORC, for his leadership and role as commanding general of the unit for the last 12 months. "Doug, you have epitomized the leadership values of Coach Vince Lombardi who said, 'contrary to the opinion of many people, leaders are not born, leaders are made. And they are made with hard work.' This command never missed a beat and that is because of your leadership and the team you built around you."
He went on to speak about the new commander and the leadership experience he brings with him. "Fred is a proven leader in the Army and in his community," said Roper. "If you just take a glance at his biography, you will see his accomplishments and previous assignments here in the U.S., Germany, Holland, Kuwait and Afghanistan. He is one of our best and he is one of our brightest, and I am excited for him and his family."
Following Roper's remarks, Maiocco addressed the crowd and the members of his command. "I want to express a sincere thanks for the warm welcome you have extended to my wife Brenda and me," he said. "It's an incredible honor to be here, and for the opportunity to be your new commanding general. This is an amazing unit, and an incredible privilege."
Maiocco took time to express his thanks to the community, the band, and those involved in the ceremony. He also thanked Cherry for his
leadership, guidance and assistance.
He then spoke about the command's history, its unique missions and its host of capabilities. "The history of the 76th Operational Response
Command is a storied one, replete with accomplishments and combat service," he said. "Today, the 76th Operational Response Command is absolutely critical to the homeland defense mission. Our units provide essential capabilities to respond to the unthinkable. a weapons of mass destruction attack on the homeland. God forbid that happens, but at the same time if it does, we must have units and Soldiers trained to respond. That is the mission set of the 76th Operational Response Command. Therefore, our non-negotiable compact with the American people is that we will remain ever vigilant and ready to respond on America's worst day. It is not optional, it is absolutely essential."
Maiocco, concluded by talking about the unit's adaptation of the Native American word, "Onaway" which means being alert, on-guard and ready. Members of the unit adapted the word after its reconstitution just prior to World War II. "Today we pick up that mantle as we commit to remain vigilant and alert in the defense of our Nation, and therefore I say to you.'Onaway.'"