SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras – U.S. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Eliezer Castrodad from the 755th Military Police Company, Puerto Rico National Guard assumed responsibility of Joint Security Forces, Joint Task Force-Bravo on December 11, 2017 during a Change of Responsibility ceremony held at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.
The Joint Security Forces conduct law enforcement and Security Operations for Joint Task Force-Bravo, a task force under the United States Southern Command, providing expeditionary force protection anywhere within the Central American area of operations, further developing partner nation capacity and promoting regional stability.
Castrodad received the unit colors from 1st Sgt. Daniel Garcia during the ceremony presided over by Col. Keith McKinley, JTF-Bravo commander.
Garcia assumed responsibility of JSF in March of 2016. During his tenure the Joint Security Forces team provided escort capabilities in diverse missions such as Medical Readiness Training Exercises, reconnaissance missions in support of other JTF-Bravo major supporting commands while also conducting numerous Subject Matter Expert Exchanges with local police forces.
During his closing remarks, Garcia highlighted how his team stayed committed to their service even as hurricane Maria devastated their homeland; a true example of selfless service.
“Your dedication to each other, the unit, and to the mission has thoroughly impressed me,” said Maj. Nicole Schatz, Joint Security Forces commander during her remarks. “There were times when things got tough, like when the hurricanes ravaged Puerto Rico and a few others challenges surfaced along the way, but you all banded together in support of each other and reassured me that you wanted to press forward to accomplish the mission,” said Schatz.
1st Sgt. Castrodad proudly served in Operation Enduring Freedom and some of his most important military awards include the Army Achievement medal, Army Global Conduct Medal and Army National Defense Medal.
“I, as well as the men and women of the Joint Security Forces, will look to you for your guidance, your wisdom, and your leadership to continue and improve on the groundwork that has already been laid,” said Schatz as she welcomed 1st Sgt. Castrodad.
Schatz also addressed the new team and said that she is positive they will come together to motivate and support each other to achieve success. “Joint Security Forces rotation 18-01, I look forward to all the successes, challenges, and fun that we will have during the second half of my tenure,” said Schatz.
Castrodad was appointed to the 755th Military Police Company in October 2017 and is joined by fellow service members from the Puerto Rico National Guard that will form JSF rotation 18-01 under his leadership at Soto Cano Air Base.