The National Training Center and Fort Irwin welcomed its new senior enlisted advisor – Command Sgt. Maj. Edison Rebuck – and his family, during a change of responsibility ceremony here, Oct. 15.
The NTC and Fort Irwin commander, Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, presided over the ceremony, which saw the interim command sergeant major pass the NTC colors to the general, who then handed them to Rebuck.
Command Sgt. Maj. Noe Salinas relinquished the interim position, he held for six months, as he retired from service to the nation that spanned 29 years.
Martin thanked Rebuck for accepting the offer to serve alongside him and explained that the command sergeant major “is no stranger to the NTC.”
“He’s trained in multiple echelons on six different occasions here at Fort Irwin and the NTC,” Martin said. “He’s a battle tested leader with multiple combat deployments and he’s got all the skills we need in the command group to lead from the top of the NCO chain.
Rebuck thanked the general for the assignment and emphasized to the audience of Soldiers, family members and the community that he is approachable.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve you as your command sergeant major and I ask that you utilize me as your resource, and we’ll continue to lead, to train and win. Army Strong,” Rebuck said.
Rebuck also thanked Salinas and described him as passionate and energetic. He stated the retiring Soldier has made the Army a better place.
Martin said it was a privilege to honor Salinas and his family at the ceremony. He explained that Salinas’ dedication to the nation included service in Korea, Panama, Poland, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. He deployed 10 times, and was in combat four years; he received two Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars, and two combat infantry badges. He displayed dedication, consistent selfless service, and steadfast determination to succeed in the profession that demands it each and every day. He described Salinas as “an unparalleled wingman and a great friend.”
“Thanks for all that you’ve done for Operations Group, the NTC and Fort Irwin, and most importantly the United States Army. Don’t ever forget that,” Martin said.
In his remarks, Salinas made it clear that being a Soldier was the best job “I ever had.”
“This has been a long ride for me and my family,” Salinas said. “It’s had some very high points and some very low points. Tons of sacrifices made by my family and a few by me. There are also about 160 Soldiers, who are not here today … to enjoy this great day with me and you. It is because of them and all the great, and not so great, Soldiers that I’ve had the pleasure to serve with, coach, teach, mentor, lead, deploy with, and enjoy every day of these last 29 years.
“There’s a lot of people in this audience right now who helped get to where I’ve been, where I stopped, and where I’m continuing to go. I thank all of you for the memories in this chapter of my life, but it’s time to start the next chapter. Train the Force.”
Salinas received a Legion of Merit award and the Order of St. George medallion. His spouse, Melba Salinas, received the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.
