REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.-- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jesse Pascua relinquished command to Chief Warrant Officer 3 James M. Bettencourt during a ceremony at the Army Materiel Command's 389th Army Band Hall on Redstone Arsenal Friday.
The event, hosted by AMC Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via, also marked Pascua's retirement after nearly 29 years in uniform. The Hawaii native will officially retire in January.
"This ceremony is more than just a change of command. It marks a significant event in the lives of these two great warrant officers, their families and the Army Materiel Command," Via said.
Via talked about Pascua's many achievements during his 31 months in command, and personally recognized AMC's Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Baharloui, and AMC's Soldier of the Year, Spc. Adam Walton, both of whom are band members.
"Under his leadership, the AMC Band successfully transitioned from the Army Band Small to increasing their strength while maintaining the great Soldiers that they already had assigned to the unit," Via said.
In addition, Pascua is credited for integrating the band into Huntsville's fine arts community, Via said.
"In many ways, they are some of the Army's most visible ambassadors. Residents have seen them at libraries, festivals and parades, and AMC always looks and sounds fantastic. I get notes each week reinforcing that fact," Via said.
"The AMC Band performed hundreds of ceremonies without missing a beat. With such excellence on display, from the personal to the unit level, you know solid leadership is all behind that," Via added.
But Pascua said he couldn't be where he is today without the support of his family, who came from all over the United States -- including his mother from Hawaii -- for the combined event.
She watched as Pascua was presented a Legion of Merit, a certificate of appreciation signed by President Barack Obama, a certificate of retirement signed by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and a U.S. flag. The band's senior enlisted leader, 1st Sgt. Daniel Shannon also gave the outgoing commander a shadowbox that displayed key events in Pascua's career.
Pascua's wife was also presented the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for her public service supporting the Soldiers, civilians and families of the 389th Army Band.
Stepping into Pascua's shoes is Bettencourt, who brings with him years of experience, the most recent of which was teaching cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
"They're the total package, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they can do, what kind of things we can accomplish," Bettencourt said.
"What we do … some people call it the 'soft power,' the pomp and circumstance, the things that a recording just can't do. If you've ever been to Arlington, or a local funeral, to have taps played as a final honor, that is amazing to [be able to honor] the families and the nation. Army bands really add something that can't be duplicated," Bettencourt added.
The ceremony concluded with barbecue and fixings prepared from scratch by Staff Sgt. Patrick Sullivan, a trombone player with the band, and one final "Aloha" from Pascua.
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