Col. Carlos Caceres assumes command of the largest federal U.S. Army command in the Caribbean during a change of command ceremony at Plaza Primeros on post, Oct 16.

During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Jurasek, 1st Mission Support Command outgoing commander, relinquished his command after serving since August 2019.

“This change of command holds a very special meaning in my heart because I am from Puerto Rico,” said proud Caceres. “I am assuming this command fully aware of the dire consequences to our Nation and our freedom if we fail to sustain a high level of readiness in a world in which security challenges are becoming more complex.”

The passing of the colors from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander symbolizes the transfer of command.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Meunier II, 1st MSC senior noncommissioned officer, passed the colors to Jurasek as his last official act as Jurasek´s command sergeant major.

Jurasek then passed the colors to Major Gen. Gregory J. Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general, hence relinquishing his command.

Mosser passed the colors to Caceres entrusting him with the responsibility and care of the Caribbean Geographic Command.

“To the soldiers, civilians, and families of the 1st MSC, I want you to know that my wife Sonia and I are fully aware that we are here to serve you, our community, and our Nation,” said proud Caceres. “ I would like to thank Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels and Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Mosser for affording me the honor of a lifetime and for placing their trust in me.”

Caceres´s wife, Sonia Caceres, daughters, Valerie Caceres and Veronica Caceres along with friends and family members witnessed the ceremony. Special guests, senior leaders and fellow soldiers also attended the historical occasion.

“The uniqueness of the 1st MSC multifunctional global mission and its high level of readiness despite the challenges serves as a testament to the exceptional devotion and skills of our soldiers and civilians,” said Caceres.

Since 1922, the soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve-Virgins Islands and Puerto Rico have been serving the island and the Nation. The command has become an essential part of the total force, with streamlined, deployable forces and citizen soldiers who embody the warrior mindset and spirit.