1st WOC welcomes new commander

By Russell Sellers, Army Flier Staff WriterAugust 18, 2011

1st WOC welcomes new commander
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala., August 18, 2011 -- There's "Strength in Knowledge," according to the Soldiers of the 1st Warrant Officer Company, who welcomed their new commander, CW4 Richard C. Myers at a change of command ceremony August 16.

Myers assumed command from CW4 Christopher E. Hall at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum in front of members of the unit and their Families. Hall's next assignment is as the assistant deputy commandant for Reserve Affairs at the Warrant Officer Career College.

Col. Stanley O. Smith, WOCC commandant, said Myers was not new to the WOCC, as he served most recently as the Warrant Officer Proponent chief for the WOCC.

"Rick has been eager to take command since I arrived a year ago," Smith said. "I appreciate his eagerness and it is an honor and privilege to command. Do your best every day to make this organization better, not for you, but for the warrant officer cohort."

Myers said he felt blessed for his appointment as the new commander and that he's looking forward to getting started.

"It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to be part of the team leading and developing future warrant officers," he said. "The 1st WOC looks magnificent as always and I'm proud to be the new commander."

Smith described command as the "most precious time in any military officer's career."

"The job of commander of 1st WOC is the most coveted job of the entire Warrant Officer cohort," he said. "Commanders are in the people business. They provide purpose, motivation and direction to accomplish the mission. This company trains and educates about 2,000 WOCs a year. That's 2,000 lives a year that were touched by (Hall). What an awesome responsibility."

Smith said Hall has made the WOCC a better place and that his legacy at the college will continue will continue for at least the next 30 years.

"(Hall) is well respected by friends and cohorts alike," Smith said. "I'm very happy to keep he and his wife Gloria on the staff for at least another year."

Hall thanked his Family, fellow Warrant Offices and his mentors over the years for their support during his time as commander. He said that the results of the hard work and dedication of the entire WOCC is evident and has been since he took command.

"From my experience in the past 18 months, I know that our support to the operational Army has been simply flawless," he said. "Moreover, I've seen the intellectual energy the WOCC has provided the Army and the Warrant Officer community as we seek to balance current and future requirements. That work must continue and (Myers) is the right person for the job."