ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. ---- Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, First Army, welcomed their new first sergeant during a change of responsibility ceremony here on July 1.
First Sgt. Joseph Wertz, a 16-year Army veteran, replaced 1st Sgt. Michael Bernard in the ceremony held in the foyer of First Army headquarters.
HHD commander, Capt. Jeffrey Sudbeck, said the ceremony featured one quality leader replacing another.
"First Sgt. Bernard, your wisdom, sound advice, and expert leadership during the past 24 months have been absolutely superb," Sudbeck said. "And in 1st Sgt. Wertz, the Army selected the right senior leader to assist me in heading HHD, First Army. It's easy to see why he was selected. He is a dedicated infantryman who has served in various key NCO leadership positions.
"This reaffirms the Army's steadfast commitment to providing superior leadership and senior enlisted oversight to our First Army Soldiers, who are responsible for the deployment and training readiness of our nation's Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers."
Bernard said he learned a lot during his time as the company's first sergeant, and he thanked those with whom he served.
"My HHD team, thank you for always stepping up to the plate," he said. "You are all outstanding professionals that made my job much easier than it could have been."
"I have some big shoes to fill, 1st Sgt. Bernard. You've done an outstanding job," Wertz told his outgoing counterpart. Then, to Sudbeck and the HHD Soldiers, Wertz said, "I look forward to working with you and continuing your proven success record."
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