Command Sgt. Maj Cruz
In a solemn and traditional ceremony at Soldier Field within the storied grounds of the Presidio of Monterey, Calif., Command Sgt. Major Ernesto L. Cruz concluded his distinguished three-year tenure as the top enlisted leader of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.
On Dec. 13, Cruz handed over the mantle of responsibility to Command Sgt. Major Theo DeHoyos, affirming the institute’s enduring ethos of leadership, continuity and excellence.
Cruz shared heartfelt sentiments about his time at DLIFLC, “This place is amazing, this place is home and it means the world to me. I will cherish these three years as one of the best [assignments] in my career. It’s been an honor.”
Command Sgt. Maj. DeHoyos
In turn, DeHoyos affirmed his commitment to building on this legacy, pledging dedication and foresight in his new role, while understanding his predecessor’s professional heritage. “Though we’re the same size, give or take a few inches…” DeHoyos joked regarding Cruz’s height. “I know I have some big shoes to fill. But I love this mission, to make warrior-linguists and to see them go forward to every corner of the world and serve our nation and its people and destroy our adversaries.”
The ceremony was presided over by Col. James Keivit, commandant of DLIFLC. In his remarks, Keivit highlighted the pivotal role of Cruz’s leadership, stating, “Ernesto dedicated everything that he had to ensure that our diverse military and civilian team were always taken care of. His strong will and opinion is legendary. Cruz optimizes the concept of selfless service and saves his words for those under his charge by preparing them for what lies ahead.”
Keivit’s impassioned speech highlighted Cruz’s remarkable capacity to instill a collaborative ethos among all military personnel, no matter their branch of service. This principle, deeply resonant with Keivit’s own values, is assured to be a cornerstone of his leadership until his tenure concludes in July 2024.
Reflecting on Cruz’s impactful service, DLIFLC Chief of Staff Steven Collins stated, “Cruz was key in unifying senior NCOs from various military branches, promoting camaraderie and forging a productive Army-Air Force partnership among the leadership. Additionally, as the constraints of COVID-19 began to lift, he was instrumental in the smooth transition of returning students and faculty to in-person learning, successfully navigating the post-pandemic challenges of moving away from forced distance education.”
DLIFLC offers resident instruction in 13 languages and has the capability to teach 65 additional languages in Washington, D.C. It proudly educates approximately 2,500 students across all four branches of the military annually and boasts over 230,000 linguist graduates since its inception in 1941.
Furthermore, the institute’s global reach is extended through multiple language training detachments worldwide, supporting the U.S. geographic combatant commands and the total force with unparalleled language preparedness.
As the institute transitions leadership, it stands steadfast in its commitment to language excellence and defense readiness.
