FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – Capt. Connor Gaumond relinquished command of U.S. Army Garrison Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC) to Capt. Frannie Bermudes in a ceremony at Brown Parade Field on Jan. 26.
“Company command is a difficult yet rewarding time,” said John Ives, garrison commander. “We expect more from our commanders than we do from average captains. We expect post commanders to have a better understanding of the Army, be better leaders and be better Soldiers. We do this because we’ve entrusted our Soldiers and their families to their command. A commander can be a force for good, ensuring discipline and enforcing standards, promoting justice and inspiring greatness in a company.”
Ives praised Gaumond for a job well done.
“Conner, you have proven yourself adept as a company commander and a leader,” he said.
“I remain impressed with your willingness to take on difficult tasks, and your ability to lead. You embraced the whole-team concept that made us all better. I have no doubt that you will find these skills useful as you move into your next roles. Thank you for being my company commander.”
Ives then went on to welcome Bermudes to the team.
“Captain Bermudes, you come with an exceptional background, showing your ability to operate in highly complex environments and lead with a caring approach, focused on mission accomplishments,” he said. “I have no doubt you are the right person for this job. You are already impressing us with your questions, your focus and your eagerness.”
Gaumond then stepped up to the podium and thanked those around him, but pointed out that almost all of the Soldiers under his command were absent from the audience. Most of the Soldiers in HHC are members of the Select Honor Guard who render honors at events across a three-state region. At the time of the change of command ceremony, the Select Honor Guard Soldiers were performing their duties at six separate funerals going on across Arizona.
The outgoing commander thanked them and proudly pointed out their accomplishments.
“Over the last two years, Soldiers from HHC have rendered honors at over 1,300 different funerals, and driven hundreds of thousands of miles. They have provided color guard at seven nationally-televised NFL games, three University of Arizona college football games and one NBA game for the Phoenix Suns. And this is only a small amount of what these Soldiers do.
“You all are the real MVP’s,” he said, “And I can’t thank you enough for everything you do on a daily basis.”
Bermudes was also quick to thank the Soldiers of HHC and expressed her excitement to work with them.
“I am eager to get to know each and every one of you, to learn from your experiences, and to support you in your personal and professional growth,” she said. “As we embark on this new chapter together, I want to assure you that I will lead with integrity, transparency and a deep sense of responsibility. Together we will face challenges head-on, celebrate victories as a team, and strive for excellence in everything we do.
“Let us move forward together, building upon the accomplishments, and embracing the opportunities of the future.”
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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.
Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.
We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.
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