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NEWS | Feb. 28, 2016

1st MSC’s change of command ceremony welcomes Brig. Gen. Rosende

By Maj. Ruth Castro 1st Mission Support Command


FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico – The 1st Mission Support Command (MSC) held a change of command ceremony where Brig. Gen. Jose R. Burgos relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Alberto C. Rosende at Maxie Williams Field, Fort Buchanan, on Feb. 26. 

Family, friends, leaders and community members gathered to witness this momentous event. The passing of the unit flag, or colors, represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one flag officer to another. The passing of the colors from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its Soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of Soldiers to their unit’s commander. 

In this centuries-old ceremony, the flag was first presented by Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Muñoz, who passed the colors to the outgoing commander, Burgos, who in turn passed the flag to Maj. Gen. David J. Conboy, relinquishing his command and gratitude for the opportunity to lead Soldiers.  

That moment is symbolic of the transfer of command. 

Conboy then transferred the colors to Rosende, entrusting him with the responsibility and care of the unit. Rosende accepted the flag from Conboy as he assumed command as the 1st MSC’s fourth commander since it was officially activated in 2008, before returning the flag to Muñoz to complete the change of command ceremony.

Conboy, deputy commanding general (operations), United States Army Reserve Command, highlighted some significant accomplishments that Burgos achieved in his short tenure at the 1st MSC. He also mentioned what an outstanding Soldier and leader Rosende is and expressed that “the 1st Mission Support Command will continue to be in exceptionally capable hands.”

“But of course, none of us can accomplish what we do for the Army and the nation without the love and support of the people we love,” said Conboy. He acknowledged and thanked the family members of Burgos and Rosende. “My thanks to all of them, and all of you, for your love and support of these Soldiers, and for the sacrifices you continue to make to help them succeed for the good of the Army and the land we love.”

Burgos reminisced on his own ceremony only 28 months ago as he was welcomed as the new commanding general for the 1st MSC. “It was a special day for me and my family,” said Burgos. 

“Since assuming command, I have seen our Soldiers continuously demonstrate why they are our greatest strength. Their commitment to the Warrior Ethos is as inspiring as it is necessary,” said Burgos.

“As my time as commanding general comes to an end, I am filled with pride in all the accomplishments of the incredible men and women of our command. I am deeply humbled to have had the opportunity to serve with each and every one of you,” expressed Burgos. 

Burgos will become the deputy commander for the 99th Regional Support Command.

As the new commanding general for the 1st MSC, Rosende addressed his command and spoke of his three basic and fundamental focus areas: The mission comes first, readiness and Soldiers. 

“Remember to live by the Army Values in everything we do,” said Rosende. “It will be the mark and impression that we leave with everyone we meet. I am truly energized by the opportunity to join you in this endeavor.”

Rosende comes from the 75th Training Command located on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, where he served as their deputy commander.