WSMR holds farewell bash for outstanding leadership

By ANNE MARIE CHADIMAMay 3, 2022

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (May 5, 2022) White Sands Missile Range Commander Brig. Gen. Eric D. Little, Sergeant Major Jose G. Melendez, and Executive Director and Deputy to the Commander Robert Stone, hosted a going away bash honoring the following exiting leadership at the Frontier Club on Friday, April 29,2022.

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Col. M. Ryan Howell, WSMR Garrison Commander

Spouse: Melony Howell and Daughter: Hannah Howell

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Col. Michael Todd, WSMR National Reconnaissance Office, Aerospace Data Facility Southwest Commander

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Cmrd. Colin Monk, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, WSMR Detachment

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Lt. Michael McClure, Army Future Command TRADOC Analysis Center, Deputy Director

Spouse: Meegan McClure

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Lt. Col. Roman Underwood, WSMR 586th Flight Air Force Detachment, Deputy Commander

Spouse: Cheryl Underwood

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Maj. Julian Rodriguez, 3-6th Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment at WSMR, Detachment Commander

Spouse: Tamerra Rodriguez

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CMSgt Abifrain Scott, WSMR National Reconnaissance Office, Aerospace Data Facility- Southwest, Delta 23 Senior Enlisted Leader

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During the award ceremony, Little, Stone and Tristan Gilbert, Supervisory General Engineer, presented the leadership with awards for their service, influence, and contributions to WSMR. Little presented the Army Commendation Medal to sister service leaders, Todd, Monk, Underwood, and Scott. All leadership received WSMR engraved wooden plaques, a framed picture of the famous 1957 Robert Glaisek mural, and WSMR etched wine glasses for each spouse. “This is one of the best farewells that I have seen. It was a great presentation given by the Commanding General and we are sad to see these leaders go. They have been great teammates and we are going to miss them,” said Stone.

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All will be moving on to exciting new roles and challenges across the country in the coming weeks. “This was a great event to recognize the service members that are leaving WSMR and all they have done for the installation,” said Jason Pingo, Operations Officer. Little announced that as this chapter comes to a close, he is looking forward to holding a welcome ceremony to usher the incoming leadership in the near future.

Photo 1: Col. M. Ryan Howell receiving award from WSMR leadership

Photo 2: Col. Michael Todd receiving award from WSMR leadership

Photo 3: Cmrd. Colin Monk receiving award from WSMR leadership

Photo 4: Lt. Michael McClure receiving award from WSMR leadership

Photo 5: Lt. Col. Roman Underwood receiving award from WSMR leadership

Photo 6: Maj. Julian Rodriguez receiving award from WSMR leadership

Photo 7: CMSgt Abifrain Scott receiving award from WSMR leadership

Photo 8: Lt. Col. Roman Underwood and Cmrd. Colin Monk playing cornhole

Photo 9: Spouses and friends gather for photo after the ceremony