CECOM hail and farewell honors four Soldiers and three civilians

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s leadership welcomed new employees and honored those in new positions during a hail and farewell ceremony at the APG Bowling Center Oct. 30, 2023.

Heather Hilton, secretary to the general staff, organized the ceremony, which is held in the spring and fall. The comradery-building event allows leadership to highlight accomplishments and share fun facts about the employees being recognized. Coincidentally, there were no farewells during the ceremony.

Garrett Shoemaker, the executive director of the CECOM Software Engineering Center, hailed Col. Dexter Daniel, military deputy for the SEC. Daniel is in the process of earning a doctorate, Shoemaker said.

“We are happy to have you on board,” Shoemaker said. “You have made a big difference over the last year.”

Col. Latrina Lee, military deputy of the CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center, was hailed by Nicole Osaghae, the executive director of ILSC. Lee joined the team in July after graduating from the U.S. Army War College in the summer, Osaghae said. Next summer, she will take command of the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia.

“It is great to extend our network, Osaghae said. “I know that she will continue to be on our team with her next assignment.”

Lee thanked the team for their support.

“I appreciate all the support; I hit the ground running,” Lee said. “Everyone has been phenomenal; everyone has been professional; I appreciate being part of this team.”

Kama Mountz was hailed by Liz Miranda, CECOM’s deputy to the commanding general. Mountz is on a developmental detail, serving as the executive officer to Miranda. Mountz, who started the position in August, has a background in intel.

“She saw that this would benefit her career, and she is helping me immensely,” Miranda said.

Mountz, who comes from the G-2, said she enjoys learning more about the organization and observing CECOM leadership, which she calls “mentorship by proxy.”

“I absolutely recommend [doing a developmental detail],” Mountz said.

Miranda also hailed Roxanne Conley, who recently accepted a position as the CECOM Equal Employment Opportunity manager.

“I appreciate your support as I transition to this position and your feedback is welcome anytime at all,” Conley said.

Additionally, Miranda recognized Osaghae, new to the role of ILSC director, and welcomed Osaghae’s new wife, Idia, to the CECOM family. Miranda praised Osaghae’s dedication.

“It doesn’t matter how busy it is or how crazy the day may be; she will be available to answer any questions to collaborate in order to work together for the command and the mission,” Miranda said.

Osaghae said she values the community at CECOM.

“I appreciate the faith you have in me in being able to brainstorm different ideas,” she said.

CECOM Commanding General Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II praised Lt. Col. Mickey West, who is his new executive officer.

“It is really good to have you on the team here; you are doing a fabulous job,” Edmonson said.

Finally, Edmonson hailed his new aide-de-camp Capt. Patrick McAran. Edmonson said an aide-de-camp, a personal assistant, is a good “broadening” assignment because it allows him to observe CECOM’s top leadership daily. He told McAran to be a “sponge” to soak up information about CECOM and the Army.

“What’s most important is we are making an investment in the future here,” he said.

McAran thanked the command group for welcoming him.

“It is great to be part of the team, to get to learn from every single one of you,” he said.

For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720312342282.