JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –Alex Block was promoted from staff sergeant to sergeant first class, and Joe Ricciardi was promoted from brigadier general to major general April 26 during IMCOM HQ’s monthly town hall.
The town halls, hosted by Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, IMCOM commanding general, are a chance to engage and honor the IMCOM professionals who work tirelessly to take care of Soldiers, Families, and Civilians.
The promotion from staff sergeant to sergeant first class is significant, Jones said, because it’s the first time a Soldier’s body of work is reviewed at the Department of the Army level and is an endorsement of that leader.
Jones also stressed the importance of the noncommissioned officer corps.
“There is a reason why the corps of noncommissioned officers is called the backbone of the Army,” Jones said. “It’s why the Army works. Our sergeants take care of our Soldiers. Our sergeants enforce our standards. Our sergeants are responsible for individual and small unit collective training. Our sergeants run our formations. Sgt 1st Class Block takes care of our command group.”
Block, who arrived at IMCOM HQ in May 2022, serves as Jones’ official driver. Block assists in daily operations within the command group and serves as the property officer. He is also the executive assistant to IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Copeland.
During his speech, Block thanked his wife Josie and sons Michael and Carson for not only attending the promotion ceremony but for being there every day, and he also expressed his gratitude to the IMCOM workforce.
“It makes life so much easier knowing I have them at home,” Block said. “And thank you to everyone for showing why we are the Army’s home.”
Ricciardi, who arrived at IMCOM HQ in June 2023, oversees the Operations, Plans and Training, Facilities and Infrastructure, Information Technology, and Provost Marshal/Protection directorates as part of his portfolio. Before arriving at IMCOM HQ, he was the director of operations for the Deputy Chief of Staff, G9, Headquarters Department of the Army.
Jones recognized Ricciardi’s contributions to IMCOM and said he epitomizes the best qualities of a citizen Soldier. He noted Ricciardi’s success not only as an Army engineer officer but also as a successful businessman whose acumen and mindset are invaluable to the Army.
Ricciardi, who has served in both Army Reserve and Active Duty positions, will depart IMCOM in June to become the commander of the 88th Readiness Division at Fort McCoy.
Ricciardi’s son, Giuseppe, pinned the second star on his father, Jones administered the oath of office to Ricciardi, the two-star flag was unfurled, and a cannon salute capped off his promotion.
“Today, more than anything, I want to think the Civilian professional workforce that for the past five years has gotten me to this point,” Ricciardi said. “You may not wear green, but you certainly bleed green. Please know how thankful I am that this star I put on is primarily because of people like you that have made my career possible.”
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