WSMR Garrison Commander Col. Dave Mitchell, right, passes the baton to incoming Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jamal Latore, left, at the Desert Emerald Green Parade Field July 31 during a Change of Responsibility ceremony. Outgoing Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan is behind Mitchell.

(U.S. Army photo by Jose Salazar)

U.S. Army Garrison holds Change of Responsibility ceremony

U.S. Army Garrison at White Sands Missile Range held a change of responsibility ceremony July 31 to transfer responsibility from outgoing Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan to incoming Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jamal Latore at the Desert Emerald Green Parade Field.

During his comments WSMR Garrison Commander Col. Dave Mitchell welcomed everyone to the event.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Winnegan, your positive attitude is infectious and your leadership during COVID was instrumental,” Mitchell said. “You will be missed. Your ability to adapt and be agile on and off the basketball court will land you in the very best of situations as you head towards retirement. Thank you for being a great battle buddy, a friend and often a mentor when I needed one. Your efforts have made a lasting impact for the future.”

Speaking about Winnegan’ s wife he said Carolina has won more awards in her time here volunteering and establishing different organizations, hosting events, and raising funds.

“I believe that she currently has more cheddar than her husband does,” Mitchell said.

“Thank you, Carolina, for all you have done to make WSMR a better place. You embraced life here not only for your own family but made sure to leave a lasting mark for family members to follow in the future,” he said.

“To the kids thank you for supporting your dad and not driving him too crazy. Great job honoring both your parents and schoolwork, sports, and volunteering. Keep it up and makes us proud in the future.”

Mitchell also welcomed Latore and his wife to the family. “I can already tell he will be an invaluable teammate. We are excited to have you as part of the family. I know you will be successful; your record speaks for itself.”

During his comments Winnegan thanked all the guests, family, and friends. He also thanked everyone who worked behind the scenes to put the event together and thanked his mentors for putting him on the right track.

“White Sands has been home for the past two and a half years and we would like to think we are leaving it better than when we came,” Winnegan said. “It’s been a pleasure to serve the community here and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

“This community has helped me become a better person and I am truly grateful for it. I only hope that I have inspired you in some shape, form, or fashion and have allowed you to be a better person as well. Thank you, White Sands, you have been a blessing and a lesson to me, and my family and I love you for it.”

Winnegan also thanked Mitchell and Deputy Garrison Commander Fred Hankerson III.

“This past year has been filled with laughter, learning and love. Working with you two on a daily basis has been amazing,” Winnegan said. “We accomplished so much, and we were having fun doing it. You are the ultimate professionals and White Sands is lucky to have you both.”

He also thanked his children and his wife for supporting him. “I am proud of you all.”

“To my beautiful wife Carolina thank you for all you do. You are the ultimate warrior. The things you have accomplished in this community are beyond amazing. Thank you for being my rock and keeping me sane.”

“Command Sgt. Maj. Latore welcome aboard. I wish you and your family all the best. I hope you enjoy your ride as much as I did. You are in good hands.”

Latore thanked all the leaders, visitors, guests, and family members for attending.

“I want to thank my wife and children for being who they are and standing by my side,” he said. “None of this would be possible without all of you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Latore said he is very blessed to be a part of this amazing organization and thanked Winnegan for a seamless transition.

“I want to thank the WSMR team for all that they continue to do,” Latore said.

By Miriam Rodriguez

WSMR Public Affairs