After serving for over two years as commander of Western Medical Area Readiness Support Group, Col. Roberto Reid relinquished command to Col. Thad Collard during a Change of Command ceremony held on Sunday, September 10th, at Travis Air Force Base in California.
Western MARSG, headquartered in San Pablo, California and is responsible for providing support and command and control for more than 2,200 Soldiers assigned to medical backfill battalions, medical support units, troop medical clinics, blood detachments and veterinary detachments located throughout the western United States to include California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, and Washington.
Maj. Gen. Mary Link, commanding general for Army Reserve Medical Command, presided over the ceremony held to recognize the outgoing commander's accomplishments and welcome the incoming commander.
Link began by commending Reid for his work as the outgoing commander. "Under his command, Western MARSG has provided unparalleled support - reinforcing not only the operational readiness of the Army Reserve's medical professionals, but the command's relevance in meeting Total Army requirements... overseeing the mobilization of more than 270 medical professionals for CONUS and OCONUS clinical support missions," said Link.
During his remarks, Reid said it had been a memorable tour, commending the Soldiers in his command, stating that they would "give you the shirt off their backs if needed." The conclusion of Reid's remarks were emotional as Soldiers in the crowd shouted back that they would miss him, too. This is Reid's 28th year in the Army, which is marked by two deployments to Iraq in 2003 and 2006.
Link also provided high praise to the incoming commander, stating that Collard is "a consummate medical professional who has commanded at every level prior to serving as the deputy chief of staff, personnel, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support). Colonel Collard's dedication to duty and commitment to excellence is reflected in everything he does."
Collard has more than two decades of service to the Army and the Nation, with a unique background of experience in personnel, operations and logistics, serving in numerous locations throughout the United States as well as in Afghanistan in support of contingency operations.
Collard vowed to the audience and to Link that "Western MARSG will continue to lead for Army Reserve Medical Command" adding that he will "work tirelessly to continue to elevate the Western MARSG, enhance our readiness and take care of our Soldiers, Army civilians and Families."
The change of command ceremony is a traditional event rich with symbolism and heritage. The hallmark of the ceremony is the passing of colors (unit flag) which not only represents the lineage and honor of the unit, but also the loyalty and unity of its Soldiers. The unit's colors are the commander's symbol of authority representing his responsibility to the organization.
Following the passing of colors, Link closed the event by recognizing Col. Reid's contributions during his tenure with the command by awarding Reid the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership over the last two years.
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