2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs Office
VILSECK, Germany – Troopers of the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment’s Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (RHHT) gathered Thursday June 9th to say goodbye to a valued teammate and welcome a new one during a change of command ceremony.
Outgoing RHHT Commander Alfreda A. Lacey relinquished her leadership responsibilities to Capt. Nicholas B. Smith with the traditional passing of the guide on ceremony held at building 600 on Rose Barracks in Vilseck.
Lacey assumed command of the Vipers in July 2008 while the Regiment was deployed to Iraq.
“Freda assumed command in the midst of combat of one of the most difficult units in the Regiment,” said Lt. Col. Steven Bergosh, Commander of Fires Squadron 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. “She grew in command, instituting systems where none existed before and more importantly she cared.”
She cared enough to spend time with her Soldiers in their workplace,” he continued. “whether that be on convoy, at an outpost or wherever to learn what they were going through and what they truly needed.”
“Patiently, quietly and professionally she mastered the art of troop command,” Bergosh said. “Now she leaves us for Ft. Bliss but she will always remember the Regiment.”
Lt. Col. Bergosh then charged Capt. Smith with an important task and offered him sound advice for a successful command.
“For the first time you will bear the responsibility for the triad that makes all units succeed or fail,” he said, “the skill, will and resources of the unit.”
“Be yourself, care and you will succeed,” Bergosh said. “I charge you to focus on will, discipline; morale and teamwork are hard to build especially in such a diverse unit as RHHT.”
“Focus on it and you will succeed,” he said.
Capt. Lacey described her command as tough but rewarding, referring to her Soldiers as an all-star team.
“Being Commander of RHHT can be difficult,” she said. “It is comprised of over 200 Soldiers, which can be challenging when a quarter of them outrank you.”
“This can be viewed as an impossible challenge by most,” Lacey continued, “once you begin working with the section NCOs, officers and Troops, their level of professionalism and dedication to the Troop’s success is immeasurable.”
Lacey urged her successor to maintain a connection with his Soldiers.
“Get to know your Soldiers, visit them in their workplace they will amaze you with their knowledge,” Lacey said. “They are young and talented Soldiers who complete all missions you lay in front of them.”
“Task them and they will not fail you,” she continued. “You are taking on a Troop of All-Stars.”
