SEMBACH, Germany - Tradition is as much a part of the military as physical training. Official ceremonies recognizing the arrival or departure of key leadership are a proud part of that military tradition. Regional Health Command Europe said goodbye to Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Garner during a relinquishment of responsibility Jan. 14.

"Without question, serving as the command sergeant major of RHCE at this time and with these people, stands as the highlight of my career," said Garner during his farewell speech. "What could be nobler than providing word-class health care to our nation's warriors both past and present and their families?"

Garner, who served as the command's senior enlisted advisor for the last 17 months, leaves to take a new position with 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at Fort Hood, Texas.

Garner is the first Army Medical Department nominative command sergeant major to assume a nominative command sergeant major billet in a nonmedical operational unit. Garner earned a Legion of Merit for his superior leadership and selfless service.

"It's in federal law that all commanding officers and others in authority in the Army will manifest exemplary conduct and without a doubt, there is no better example of that than Command Sgt. Maj. Garner," said Brig. Gen. Ron Stephens, the RHCE commanding general. "Leaders must be committed to developing leaders and clearly Command Sgt. Maj. Garner is."

As Garner leaves, Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Baller will serve as the command's interim command sergeant major for the next several months until a new command sergeant major officially assumes the position.

RHCE is responsible for the health care, public health, dental and veterinary services for Soldiers, their families and Department of Defense beneficiaries throughout Europe. For more information, visit https://rhce.amedd.army.mil/.