FORT HOOD, Texas - In a traditional ceremony rich with heritage and cavalry spirit, friends, family and troopers of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment took the opportunity to convey their gratitude to the outgoing 22nd Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Nash and extended a sincere welcome to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Kim Mendez.
The Aug. 12 event started with an award presentations for Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Nash and his wife Mrs. Erin Nash, followed by one of the several distinguished Armor and Cavalry induction ceremonies.
Prior to the official passing of the unit colors, Col. Ralph Overland, 3rd Cav. Regt. commander took a few moments to highlight his senior enlisted advisor.
"For those that know Command Sgt. Maj. Nash, they understand that there is no better leader," Overland said. "He is a humble professional and a loyal teammate, he never misses the opportunity to throw out a joke to liven the setting and never misses the opportunity to talk with troopers."
The change of responsibility ceremony reinforced the principle that as one senior leader relinquishes his position, another fully capable leader is prepared to uphold a longstanding legacy.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Mendez is absolutely the right leader to take the reigns as the regimental Command Sgt. Maj. and we look forward to his leadership, expertise and mentorship in the months ahead," Overland said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Nash addressed everyone in attendance by honoring the sacrifices his wife, and his son, Addison Nash have made throughout his career.
"Erin and Addison, your support over the years have been truly outstanding," Nash said. "Due to deployments, 16 times I have said goodbye without a guaranteed hello again and for you to continue to support me, send notes, emails, care packages, answer facetime calls and to be there upon my return, I cannot say thank you enough."
Incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Mendez is no stranger to the regiment as he is moving from 1st Squadron "Tiger" and is very familiar with the operation tempo and the mission set of the regiment.
Most incoming leaders have quick and short speeches and Mendez followed this tradition, but instead of talking about his goals he decided to honor Nash's leadership qualities.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Nash is a unique leader because doesn't do it for praise and or glory. He does it for the troopers next to him and for the love of country," Mendez said.
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