NRMC Welcomes New Enlisted Leader

By Ms. Gigail Cureton (Northern Regional Medical Command)December 18, 2014

CSM Roger Velarde accepts NCO Sword
Command Sgt. Maj. Roger A. Velarde accepts the Noncommissioned Officer Sword symbolizing his acceptance of responsibility as the new Northern Regional Medical Command senior enlisted leader, Dec. 12 during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

As Scott handed the noncommissioned officer sword to Brig. Gen. Robert D. Tenhet, NRMC commanding general, symbolizing the relinquishment of responsibility, he was also saying farewell to the Army after more than 31 years of service. Tenhet then passed the sword to Velarde, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility to a new leader.

The passing of the NCO sword is in keeping with Army tradition to show the command sergeant major may change, but the sword remains razor sharp.

In his final speech as a command sergeant major and a Soldier, Scott reached back to some of the words he shared when he became the NRMC senior enlisted leader more than three years ago. He described his leadership style as being a servant leader--up close and personal in the three- meter zone.

"Leading by example - not being perfect for I believe God has reserved perfection for himself, but giving all that I have and the best that I have," Scott said.

Tenhet acknowledged the special leadership and character traits that made Scott an effective leader and confidant. "No one could succeed as the NRMC command sergeant major without exceptional leadership qualities, character, competence, commitment, dedication, discipline and drive. Ben Scott has excelled by consistently leveraging his experience to take the region forward."

In addition to the Northern Regional Medical Command, Scott's other senior leadership assignments include: Warrior Transition Command, Alexandria, Va.; Landstuhl Regional Medical Command, Landstuhl, Germany; U.S. Army Medical Activity at Fort Irwin, Calif.; and 6th Medical Management Logistics Center, Fort Detrick, Maryland.

Velarde has served the Army for 27 years, most recently as the command sergeant major for the 44th Medical Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C. His other senior leadership assignments include: Darnell Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas; 1st Medical Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; Irwin Community Hospital; Fort Riley, Kan.; 421st Medical Evaluation/Multifunctional Medical Battalion, Wiesbaden, Germany; and 30th Medical Brigade, Heidelberg, Germany.

"I am truly humbled and honored to have been selected to serve in this position and in this great organization," said Velarde. "It is an exciting time to be joining this region."

Related Links:

NRMC welcomes new enlisted leader