www.bliss.army.mil
Published
for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community
October
7, 2004
HHB Center welcomes new commander
Spc. Steve Baack
Monitor Staff
Capt. Erick Segarra succeeded Capt. Charles St.Clair as the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center, Fort Bliss, during a change of command ceremony on Smith-Bliss Field Oct. 1.
“Throughout his tenure, Charlie correctly focused his efforts on one very difficult mission: the mission of taking care of Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Koesters, 76th Military Police Battalion commander, during his remarks. “And by focusing on that mission, he guaranteed that the Garrison and its directorates could keep Fort Bliss running and continue their excellent support to the Soldiers, civilians and family members of Team Bliss.”
St.Clair commanded HHB Center for 16 months, during which he spearheaded initiatives to both improve Soldier health, welfare and morale by more efficiently providing personnel administrative support to Soldiers, and improve Soldier readiness through warrior-focused training. St.Clair is moving on to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, Ky.
“I’ve loved being the commander of HHB Center,” said St. Clair. “The last 16 months have been among the most satisfying of my career. It has been truly rewarding to have had the honor of being your commander. Most officers don’t get a chance at a second command. I can only say that I have been blessed.”
“I want to thank Col. [Bryon] Greenwald and [Lt.] Col. Koesters for providing me the opportunity and the privilege to lead Soldiers in this capacity again,” Segarra said during his speech after St.Clair made his remarks. “I know if you ask most captains in the military, they’ll say there is no better job than command.”
Segarra’s experience includes an assignment with 3rd Bn., 62nd ADA Regiment at Fort Drum, N.Y., as a Stinger platoon leader, an Avenger platoon leader and an executive officer. He also served as the battalion logistics officer and as the Bravo Battery commander for 2nd Bn., 44th ADA Regiment at the 101st.
His military education accomplishments include the Air Defense Officers’ Basic Course, Short-range Air Defense Weapons Course, Air Defense Captains’ Career Course, and the Combined Arms Staff and Services School. Segarra holds a bachelor of science degree in international relations and is working on his master’s in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Uni-versity.
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Segarra is the husband of the former Lisa Marie Underwood of Dublin, Calif., and the father of Katelyn.
“To the Soldiers of HHB: I challenge you to provide the same loyalty and support to Capt. Segarra that you have to Capt. St. Clair and to continue with Capt. Segarra the record of success you have already achieved,” said Koesters.
After the ceremony, St.Clair was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by Greenwald for his success during command of HHB Center