CECOM director of Plans and Operations G3/5 retires after 33 years

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Col. Reginald M. Harris, the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command director of Plans and Operations G3/5, celebrated his 33-year career during a ceremony in front of Army leadership, colleagues, family, and friends at the Myer Auditorium July 25, 2025.

Harris, who served at CECOM for one year, supported and provided guidance on daily/future operations within CECOM headquarters, whether through an Operation Order, OPORD, Fragmentary Order, FRAGO, or on behalf of the commanding general.

The host of the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Jeth B. Ray, deputy chief of staff, Army G-6, who served as a mentor to Harris during his career. He noted Harris’ exceptional service and emphasized the crucial role of his wife Lashanda, who has been with him since the beginning of his military career, and their children, RJ and Londyn, for their unwavering support through multiple moves and deployments.

“You have been a part of the Army family since the day you were born; you have not just put up with but have excelled in all that the Army life throws at each of you,” Ray said to Harris’ children. “I wanted to thank you on behalf of the Army for all the love and support you have given to your dad.”

Ray also noted that several of Harris’ family members served in the military, including his father in the U.S. Navy and relatives in the U.S. Army, highlighting the legacy of service in his family.

Ray called Harris an “incredible leader,” who has the ability to handle many challenges. Ray said Harris’ career included a transition from a field artillery officer to serving as an information systems officer. He is skilled at building relationships and teams, he added.

“I have seen so many tasks thrown at this young man and every single time he has excelled 110 percent,” he said.

Ray said they served together at the U.S. Central Command, located at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. While he was serving there, he was selected to be “the voice of the command,” narrating many official ceremonies.

“A leader of leaders, that’s who he is,” Ray said.

Harris reflects on his Army career; gives thanks

During Harris' remarks, he thanked Ray and recognized several military leaders in attendance, who provided mentorship and friendship throughout his career.

Harris, who is also a minister, said if he were delivering a sermon today, the title would be simply, “Be Thankful for the Things.” Harris said that it has been his faith that has sustained him throughout his career and acknowledged his church family in the audience.

Harris expressed gratitude to his family, thanking each one by name.

“My family has been supporting me, [been my] backbone, has watched over me, seen me fall, seen me cry,” he said.

Harris also thanked the noncommissioned officers in attendance, noting that he was an enlisted Soldier at the beginning of his career.

“I was molded and shaped by NCOs,” he said.

Harris concluded his speech by thanking the CECOM workforce and praising the G3/5 team, who gave him “phenomenal support” throughout his one-year tour of duty at CECOM.

Awards

Harris received the Legion of Merit, as well as the Department of the Army certificates of retirement and appreciation. He also received the retirement pin, congratulatory letters from previous U.S. presidents, and a flag flown at the Pentagon on July 14, 2025. Harris’ wife, Lashanda, received the DA Certification of Appreciation and Meritorious Public Service Medal.

About Col. Reginald M. Harris

Harris is a native of Weldon, North Carolina. He enlisted in the Army in 1992 as a 94B, Food Service Specialist. He was commissioned as a field artillery officer after graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Elizabeth City State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a minor in marketing. Harris continued his academic pursuits by earning a Master of Arts in information technology management from Webster University and a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

Harris has moved 14 times in his career. As a field artillery officer, his assignments included Fort Benning, Georgia; Baumholder, Germany; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. As an information systems officer his assignments included Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Pentagon, Washington D.C.; MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; Fort Gordon, Georgia.

The ceremony included the singing of the national anthem by Harris' daughter, Londyn Harris, and an invocation and benediction given by Dr. Nelson K. Williams.

For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/cecom/albums/72177720327888265/