FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – The Intelligence Center of Excellence Law Enforcement Activity (LEA) and the 483rd Military Working Dog (MWD) Detachment welcomed Capt. Benjamin Martinez during a change of command ceremony with Capt. Jesus De La Torre held July 18 at Murr Community Center.
Col. Mike Childs, garrison commander, presided over the ceremony. During his opening remarks, Childs said De La Torre’s impact will last long after he leaves the installation.
“[De La Torre] assumed command during a period of transition and transformation,” Childs said. “He oversaw the inactivation of the 18th Military Police Company and shaped that legacy in today’s law enforcement activity, building a structure aligned to Fort Huachuca’s unique mission. That effort demanded not only administrative precision, but strategic vision and steadying leadership, and [De La Torre] delivered on every front.”
Childs continued by talking about how De La Torre prioritized readiness and ensured his Soldiers had the training they needed to complete the mission.
“Finding innovative ways to sustain law enforcement skills and scenario-based training, despite competing demands,” Childs said, “he believes that a well-trained Soldier is a confident Soldier, and he built a culture of competence and pride across the formation.”
Next, Childs welcomed Martinez to the team and said his prior experiences will allow him to lead the diverse unit here.
“Fort Huachuca’s mission is diverse and complex, and [Martinez], your ability to lead in both structure and adaptive environments will be a force multiplier,” Childs said. “We are proud to have you on the team.”
Following Childs’ speech, De La Torre took to the podium and began by thanking leadership and mentors who have helped him along the way.
“I want to thank Colonel Childs for the opportunity to lead this phenomenal group of Soldiers, NCOs, and officers,” De La Torre said. “I’d also like to thank the leaders, past and present, who shaped me into the officer I am today.”
Next, De La Torre addressed the Soldiers of the unit and highlighted how important their daily work is to the installation.
“To the Soldiers of the LEA and 483rd, without you, there is no mission,” De La Torre said. “[…] You reminded me daily of my purpose and the privilege I carry as your commander. I am eternally grateful to you for having me as your commander, it has truly been an honor.”
Before concluding his speech, De La Torre addressed Martinez and said he is “the right person” to lead the unit and the energy he brings will “elevate the unit to greater heights.”
Following De La Torre’s speech, Martinez took to the podium and began by thanking everyone for attending and thanking Childs for giving him the opportunity to command unit. He continued by talking about the great job De La Torre did before him.
“[De La Torre], you did an amazing job leading this formation,” Martinez said. “Thank you for the smooth transition, and I will do my best to continue the success that you started.”
Before concluding his speech, Martinez thanked his older brother Joe, who is a current Army Military Police captain, and his father Joe, who is a retired Army Military Police lieutenant colonel.
“To my big brother Joe, thank you for the support that you have given me and that you will continue to give me,” Martinez said. “I know I will need it. […] Last, and most importantly to my dad, thank you for driving hundreds of miles and flying thousands, countless times and never missing the important moments of my life. You are my role model and my hero.”
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Military Police Regimental March and the Army Song.
(Editor’s note: The complete photo album is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_army_fort_huachuca/albums/72177720327630527/.)
# # #
Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, 2-13th Aviation Regiment, Electronic Proving Ground, Joint Interoperability Test 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/.
Social Sharing