New Command Sergeant Major Welcomed at SMDC

By Ms. Giselle Bodin (ACC )July 9, 2010

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REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - Leadership was passed from one command sergeant major to another for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) on Wed., June 30 at the Bob Jones Auditorium.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph C. Borja relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Larry S. Turner during a formal Change of Responsibility ceremony. The ceremony also recognized Borja's retirement as his career as an Army Soldier culminated.

Borja, who had been with USASMDC/ARSTRAT since June 2007, served in the Army for more than 30 years in various Airborne Ranger and light infantry assignments throughout the United States and overseas.

Borja spoke during the ceremony to thank everyone who encouraged him to apply for the job and those who supported him during his time with the command. He particularly thanked the Campbells, who "set a command climate that is unmatched and unprecedented."

Turner also had the opportunity to speak during the change of responsibility ceremony. He thanked incoming USASMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general Richard P. Formica for having faith enough to select him to the position. He expressed how eager he was to work for a command whose "name alone represents strategic significance that is important for defense."

The Change of Responsibility ceremony was followed by the retirement ceremony for Borja. At that point, Campbell spoke of Borja as a "Soldier who never quits" and a "man and Soldier of great substance." He acknowledged how hard he worked at the routine as well as the extraordinary, and he particularly commended his strength in training and mentoring Soldiers.

The ceremony concluded with Borja thanking his family, including his supportive wife Nguyet, and wishing "all the best to our Warriors, our Civilians, and their Families."