By Gloria Montgomery
The 800-member Troop Command of Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) has a new senior enlisted advisor.
Command Sgt. Maj. Dave Francis, who comes to CRDAMC from the Medical Department Activity, Fort Lee, Va., assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa McFrazier during a ceremony held July 22 on CRDAMC’s Prichard Field.
After the passing and transferring of company colors, Lt. Col. Alicia Surrey, Troop Command commander addressed the audience reminding them of the importance of the day’s ceremony.
“The relationship between a commander and command sergeant major is essential to the team,” said Surrey, adding that trust, open two-way communication and supporting one another all contribute to the team’s united front. “As a team, together you are the standards bearer for the team. You have to care with all of your heart.”
Command Sergeant Major McFrazier, said Surrey, excelled in this role.
“She was an outstanding teammate and battle buddy,” the Troop Command commander said.
Surrey praised Command Sergeant Major McFrazier’s mentoring skills and cited several Troop Command achievements that occurred last year under her tutelage, including 41 reenlistments, six Soldiers earning the coveted Field Expert Medical Badge and eight Soldiers graduating from air-assault school.
“She is inherently gifted in mentoring, and by far the best I’ve ever seen. She’s helped countless Soldiers prepare for boards and drilling them hours on end,” she said, adding that she also appreciated McFrazier’s honesty and the role it played in the Troop Command commander’s professional growth.
In closing, Curry thanked the outgoing command sergeant major for her commitment and dedication.
“Your legacy will live on in the years to come to the Soldiers you have inspired,” she said.
McFraizer, in her farewell remarks, thanked the CRDAMC team for their help and support, including CRDAMC commander, Col. Mark Thompson for “believing in her” and Lieutant Colonel Surrey for her “engaged leadership and professionalism.”
“Your enthusiasm and motivation are contagious,” she told Surrey, adding that the team made some “awesome contributions” to enhancing esprit de corps and troop morale.
McFrazier, who will now serve as the clinical operations command sergeant major, also complimented the Soldiers in formation, reminding them of their duty and commitment to country.
“Each of you have volunteered to be something greater than yourself,” she said, citing the low percentage of young people who choose a military career. “Less than one percent of Americans will ever experience that, and for that alone, you have set yourself apart.”
In closing, she thanked the Soldiers for taking care of America’s sons and daughters, Family members and retirees.
“I know just how difficult it can be juggling our primary missions, our tasking, our self-development and making quality time with the people we love,” she said. “Somehow, each of you manages to do it and do it exceptionally well each and every day. You have made me very proud, and I am humbled to have been your command sergeant major.”
The outgoing command sergeant major also offered assurances to Command Sergeant Major Francis.
“I am leaving you in good hands, I promise,” she said. “The Soldiers and civilians of the Troop Command are professionals like no others. On the flip side, I know the Troop Command is also in great hands, and you will take it to the next level of expert leadership.”
