IMCOM-Europe welcomes new command sergeant major

By Ray Johnson, IMCOM-Europe Public Affairs OfficerJune 7, 2017

IMCOM-Europe change of responsibility
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
IMCOM-Europe change of responsibility
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
IMCOM-Europe change of responsibility
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
IMCOM-Europe change of responsibility
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SEMBACH, Germany -- Installation Management Command-Europe welcomed its new command sergeant major and bid farewell to his predecessor during a change-of-responsibility ceremony held here June 5.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ulysses Rayford takes over for Command Sgt. Maj. Gene Canada, whose next tour will be as the command sergeant major for U.S. Army Security Assistance Command.

Rayford, who last served as the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz command sergeant major, "knows firsthand that Army installations deliver services and programs needed by Soldiers to remain mission ready and for families to stay resilient," said Michael Formica, director of IMCOM-Europe.

"His combination of experience, integrity and leadership," Formica added, "is why I handpicked him as our senior noncommissioned officer."

The new IMCOM-Europe command sergeant major said he looks forward to being part of an organization that supports U.S. military communities from Belgium to Italy and forward sites in Eastern Europe.

"I am in awe of the work you do every day," he said to those attending the ceremony. "I know what you contribute to the overall mission. I am honored to be joining this team."

Canada, in his farewell speech, recalled seeing IMCOM-Europe face many challenges, "but we overcame every hurdle."

"You are passionate about taking care of our communities," he said. "I can tell you that our Soldiers appreciate the long hours that you put in daily to get the job done, enabling them to remain mission focus."

Formica noted that Canada's efforts over an 18-month period "drove how we support garrisons to prepare our finest warriors."

"For us to succeed," said Formica, "Command Sergeant Major had to keep one eye on the front lines and one eye on the homefront. His leadership ensured we delivered the right level of support at the right time with continued excellence."

Formica added that Canada demonstrated time after time that "when we face new challenges, the full potential of IMCOM-Europe is untapped. I will miss him as a teammate."

Related Links:

IMCOM-Europe website

IMCOM-Europe Facebook