FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Philip N. Simpao and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Carl A. Ashmead during a March 12, Change of Responsibility ceremony here.
The event signified the transfer of authority between Simpao and Ashmead by passing the Non-Commissioned Officer's Saber, making Ashmead the 21st Command Sgt. Major of the 11th ACR.
Simpao, will assume responsibility of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment at Fort Drum, N.Y.
"The lessons that I have learned, and the gratitude that fills my heart for being able to wear the Blackhorse patch and sucking in the dust of the National Training Center each day is immeasurable," said Simpao. "I can only hope that my time in the saddle has been as fruitful for both the NTC and the Regiment as it has been for me and my wife Rose."
Simpao served the Regiment and the Troopers for more than three years, initially as the 2nd Squadron Command Sgt. Maj. before being assigned as the Regimental Command Sgt. Major.
"I knew that Command Sgt. Maj. Simpao would always be there for the Troopers if they were ever in need or in trouble," said Col. John L. Ward, the Commander of the 11th ACR. "Due
to this dedication, I knew that he would be the person that I called upon to serve in place of Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen J. Travers when he was called to become the Post Command Sgt. Maj. of NTC."
Just like any great organization, there is another Trooper standing in the wings waiting to pick up that guidon and run with it, said Ward. He continued by saying that Ashmead is just the man for the job and that he is looking forward to serving with him in the months ahead.
"Words cannot express that absolute feeling of pride and joy that I have (in) becoming the newest member of this historic Regiment," said Ashmead. "This Regiment does not exist to give me a position. My position exists to give every Trooper; Family Member; and Civilian Employee of this Regiment my best every day, to ensure that they are successful; this unit is successful; and our Army is successful. I am available to every member of this Regiment, regardless of rank or situation, 24 hours-a-day from this time forth."
Related Links:
Passing the Saber -- 11th Armored Cavarly Regiment's Facebook Page
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