FORT HOOD, Texas - It is often times during ceremonies and various performances in the Fort Hood area, the sound of the 1st Cavalry Division Band resonates across the crowd.
But unlike other events at which the band performs, this ceremony was for two of their own.
Maj. Derrick Shaw assumed command of the 1st Cav. Div. Band during a change of command ceremony at the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel, here Nov. 14.
"I am honored to be a member of the 1st Cav. Band, excited to be the commander and eager to have fun making great music with our great Soldiers, musicians," said Shaw, an Atlanta native.
Shaw joins the division following his previous assignment as the deputy commander of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, New York.
"This is a band with a lot of character and a long history, and I'm looking to be a part of that," Shaw said.
Shaw, who has over 15 years of service, took the company guidon from Lt. Col. Jesse Phillips, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Cav. Div., signifying the transfer of authority and Shaw's acceptance of command.
Philips, who oversaw the ceremony and welcomed the new commander to his team, joked that Shaw had some big shoes to fill during his tenure.
"During my initial counseling with Derrick, I mentioned that you are replacing a legend ... a Cal Ripken, Michael Jordan or Bret Favre per say," Phillips said. "Do not try to walk in those shoes or on that path but strike out on your own and forge a path that you see fit as you bring a different perspective, experience, and expertise to the fight."
Phillips was referring to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeanne Pace, the outgoing commander, whom Phillips thanked not only for her work with the division band, but for her more than four decades of service to the U.S. Army.
"Chief Pace has been what all troopers, officers and leaders should strive and want to be, a true professional," he said.
Pace summed up her time spent with the division in a few words - pride and honor.
"What a privilege it has been and a distinct honor to be allowed to help lead [these Soldiers]," Pace said. "These are some of the most creative and talented individuals I've had in all my bands."
In keeping with one of the band's missions of building morale, "Cav Country" the band's country group, will soon head to Afghanistan to perform for deployed Soldiers.
The Fort Hood community can hear Shaw and the rest of the band perform throughout the year. One event upcoming is the band's holiday concert Dec. 10 at Harker Heights High School.
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