USARCENT 'Patton's Own' Change of Responsibility ceremony held

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE - U.S. Army Central held a Change of Responsibility ceremony for outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Eric. R. McCray on Oct. 10, 2024.

The Change of Responsibility ceremony symbolizes the roles and responsibilities of the outgoing senior enlisted advisor transferring to the incoming senior enlisted advisor.

ARCENT Commanding General Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank was the presiding officer for the ceremony. Military officials, Department of Veterans Affairs leaders, Department of the Army civilians and family members were in attendance.

"Today it is my honor to preside over this transition between two outstanding leaders. For our headquarters, we say goodbye to one outstanding soldier and welcome another tremendous soldier to follow as the senior enlisted noncommissioned officer in charge at ARCENT, Third Army," Frank said.

During the ceremony, Garza reflected on his tenure, highlighting the achievements and resilience of soldiers under his command, and welcomed McCray into his new position.

"Command Sgt. Maj. McCray, you are inheriting an amazing team. You are the right person at the right time for this position, and I have no doubt that ARCENT is in great hands," Garza said.

"Strong sergeants make strong soldiers, strong soldiers make strong squads, and strong squads win the nation's wars, and winning absolutely matters, PATTON'S OWN!" Garza said.

McCray, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in both domestic and international operations, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead as the incoming senior enlisted advisor for ARCENT.

"I am humbled to stand before you today to be able to walk in the shoes that Sgt. Maj. Garza has just walked for the last three years. I stand before you as a humble servant," said McCray.

McCray is a native of Conway, Arkansas. He entered the U.S. Army Reserve in January 1990, completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, as a supply specialist (76V) before enlisting in the active component as a U.S. Army Patriot Missile Crewmember (16T) in July 1992. McCray was previously assigned as the Department of Defense Senior Military Fellow to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, Washington, D.C.

The ceremony included traditional military honors, including the passing of the Sword of the Non-Commissioned Officer, a symbolic act representing the transfer of responsibility. The ceremony not only celebrated the leadership change, but also reaffirmed ARCENT's commitment to its mission in the Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR).

As ARCENT continues to adapt to evolving global dynamics, McCray emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving operational success. The event concluded with a reception, allowing attendees to engage with both outgoing and incoming leadership.

ARCENT is the U.S. Army Service Component Command for United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and is responsible to the Secretary of the Army for the support and administration of more than 12,000 soldiers, including those assigned to joint task forces and embassies, across the 21 countries in the CENTCOM AOR.