By Mission Public Affairs
After serving successfully at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center for over two years, three-time DLIFLC graduate Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Donehue relinquished his role as the Institute’s most senior enlisted leader to Command Sgt. Maj. Ernesto L. Cruz on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey Dec. 4.
Command Sgt. Maj. Ernesto L. Cruz accepts the guidon on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey Dec. 4.
During a ceremony that was marked by face masks and socially distanced seating, Donehue thanked the faculty, staff and students for their hard work and effort. He had a special message for the military leaders that have a direct impact on the students’ everyday lives.
“You have the awesome responsibility of shaping our students into future warfighting linguists,” said Donehue. “It’s one of the best jobs you’ll ever have in the military. Enjoy this opportunity and focus on the positive.”
DLIFLC Commandant Col. Gary Hausman, who presided over the ceremony, thanked Donehue for his service and spoke about how well they functioned as a team. “We were always in lockstep together…He was my eyes and ears, seeing classes, (talking with) the troops and faculty…and always gave me the candor I needed.”
Donehue will retire this summer after 29 years or service. “Today will be Sgt. Maj. Donehue’s last day wearing the uniform…and it is time for him to take a knee. Tomorrow he will begin his next journey,” said Hausman, adding that it was a sad occasion to see him go, but a happy one because of future opportunities.
Cruz, also a former graduate of DLIFLC, came the Presidio from Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Originally from Arroyo, Puerto Rico, Cruz was raised all over the United States and overseas as an Army dependent. He enlisted in 1998 as a cryptologic linguist and came to DLIFLC to study Hebrew and later Arabic. His military career has taken him across the country and all over the world, including a peacekeeping mission in Kenya and twice to Jordan.
DLIFLC drill sergeants return to duty after the ceremony on Solider Field at the Presidio of Monterey.
“I will do my utmost to continue to meet the expectations and needs of this honored organization, said incoming Command Sgt. Major Cruz. Adding humor to the event, Cruz said, “Command Sgt. Maj. Donehue, thanks. Don’t worry, I got this…I think,” as the audience chuckled.
Senior military and civilian staff, friends and family members attended the ceremony. The event did not include a formation and younger service members in attendance as is traditional, due to the pandemic. A live stream was provided for those who could not attend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCe1SPlvwVQ&feature=em-lsb-owner
