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1st ID Bids Farewell to the Division’s Ready Reserve Command Sergeant Major

By Jared SimmonsDecember 9, 2022

FORT RILEY, Kan.- The 1st Infantry Division held a Victory with Honors Ceremony on December 9, 2022 in the division’s headquarters building.

The event, attended by several command teams within the Big Red One, was held to honor and say farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Albert A. Serrano, the Ready Reserve Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Inf. Div.

1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, presents U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the outgoing ready reserve command sergeant major for 1st Inf. Div., the Legion Of Merit award for...
1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, presents U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the outgoing ready reserve command sergeant major for 1st Inf. Div., the Legion Of Merit award for exceptional service throughout his 30-year career. The Legion of Merit award is presented only to those of exceptional service who served as a prime example of the army values and standards. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Kenneth Barnet) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Serrano simultaneously filled the role of the command sergeant major of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Inf. Div. He officially relinquished the responsibility of the 1st CAB sergeant major earlier in the week, where he was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Michael (Bronze) medal from the Army Aviation Association of America.

Serrano, between long emotional pauses, delivered his final speech to the audience. Self-professing to never have been a fan of the spotlight, he chose to bestow a simple lesson he has learned over his storied career.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the outgoing ready reserve command sergeant major for the 1st Infantry Division, reflects on his time with the division during a Victory with Honors ceremony held at Victory Hall on Fort Riley, Kansas,...
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the outgoing ready reserve command sergeant major for the 1st Infantry Division, reflects on his time with the division during a Victory with Honors ceremony held at Victory Hall on Fort Riley, Kansas, Dec. 9, 2022. Serrano said he looked forward to the next part of his journey as he retires after 30 years of service. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Kenneth Barnet) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Enjoy the journey. Oftentimes, we look too far ahead to see what’s next to us.” Serrano said, “Slow down, enjoy the ride, enjoy right now or you’ll eventually miss some of it- and regret it.”

Serrano is set to retire next month after 30 years of service to the United States Army with the ready reserve sergeant major position having been his final duty to the Army.

“[Sgt. Maj. Serrano] never wavered in his commitment to Soldiers, Families, or the mission,” said Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, the deputy commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. “Sergeant Major’s constant presence and decisive action truly made a difference in the health and welfare of our Soldiers.”

1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, presents Amber Serrano, wife of U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the outgoing ready reserve command sergeant major for 1st Inf. Div. with the...
1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General-Support, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, presents Amber Serrano, wife of U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the outgoing ready reserve command sergeant major for 1st Inf. Div. with the Meritorious Public Service Medal for her service and sacrifice as an Army spouse during a Victory with Honors ceremony held at Victory Hall on Fort Riley, Kansas, Dec. 9, 2022. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Kenneth Barnet) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

During the ceremony, Serrano received the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious service to both the 1st Inf. Div. and the Army. His wife, Amber Serrano, received the Public Service Commendation Medal as well as the Lady Victory Award for her service to the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley community.

“I walk away happy, fulfilled and mostly on my terms. I left it all on the field and I would do it all again if I had to,” Serrano said. “Fort Riley, the 1st Inf. Div., the surrounding communities and the people here are incredible. I'm grateful to call this place home.”

Serrano is followed by Command Sgt. Maj. Clarence Raby as the next ready reserve division command sergeant major.

Serrano was featured in the 1st Inf. Div. “Meet Your Army'' YouTube series, which was shown at the ceremony and is viewable on the 1st Inf. Div. YouTube page. A recording of the ceremony will also be viewable on the 1st Infantry Division’s Facebook page.

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