1st MSC and Fort Buchanan host community leaders during New Year's reception

By Maj. Carlos CuebasJanuary 10, 2015

1st MSC and Fort Buchanan host community leaders during New Year's reception
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1st MSC and Fort Buchanan host community leaders during New Year's reception
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FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico - Leaders from the 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC), U.S. Army Reserve - Puerto Rico and the Fort Buchanan Garrison activity hosted members of the federal government and the local community during a New Year's reception at Fort Buchanan's conference center Jan. 10.

The event began with the traditional receiving line. Guests filed into the ballroom, and were officially greeted by Brig. Gen. Jose R. Burgos, the commanding general of the 1st MSC, Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Munoz, the 1st MSC's senior enlisted leader, Col. Caryn S. Heard, Fort Buchanan Garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Luis A. Rosario Velez, Fort Buchanan command sergeant major.

During the ceremony, Burgos welcomed the visitors during his opening remarks.

"It is a pleasure to gather here today to renew our friendship and strengthen our alliance with the local community. It is clear that the U.S. Army Reserve - Puerto Rico and Fort Buchanan, which together represent the largest U.S. Army presence in the Caribbean, need your continuous support to be able to accomplish our mission," said Burgos.

The officer seized the opportunity to also outline the command's strategy for community outreach in the New Year.

"In 2015 we want to continue being a good neighbor to the different communities around the island, by putting our unique capabilities and skills to the service of local governments, and nonprofit organizations, as we have done in recent years in Vieques, Maricao, and other areas around the island," added Burgos.

As the largest U.S. Army command in the region, the 1st MSC, U.S. Army Reserve - Puerto Rico also has a social responsibility with the local communities. For Burgos, building upon the already strong relationship the 1st MSC has with the local community and its key partners throughout region is a top priority for his command.

"I truly believe that working together, you, the members of the local community, the members of the U.S. Army Reserve - Puerto Rico, and the members of the Fort Buchanan community, we can find a renewed perspective on our individual and collective goals and push forward as one team," said Burgos.

The U.S. Army Reserve - Puerto Rico creates thousands of jobs and invests approximately $200 million into the Puerto Rico's economy.