BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. –
The Medical Detachment, Medical Command of the Colorado Army National Guard, welcomed its new commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Monty Torres, at a change of command ceremony Sept. 8, 2019, in which Col. Kevin R. Scott relinquished command at Buckley AFB in Aurora.
U.S. Army Col. Robert Davis, the commander, land component command of the COARNG, presided over the ceremony as Scott relinquished command to Torres.
Davis complimented Scott’s leadership of the Medical Detachment and congratulated Torres and his wife, Ashley, for the opportunity to take over as the leadership team of the unit. He also challenged Torres to continue to lead as successfully as Scott had.
“Lt. Col. Torres, congratulations to you and Ashley as you prepare to start this next important chapter of your career,” Davis said. “I challenge you to continue to build and drive readiness for the entire Colorado Army National Guard, but most importantly, take care of our Soldiers.”
Torres enlisted as a communications and radio specialist in 1989 and served in multiple command and staff positions from the company-level to combatant command-level. He was commissioned as a Medical Service Corps officer in 1996. He brings 30 years of experience to his new command.
During his speech, Torres expressed his excitement to command the Medical Detachment.
“I look forward to working here as your commander and to keep the unit going in the same mission (and on) the same track as Col. Scott has done, and keep developing Soldiers within the unit.”
Scott’s leadership of the Medical Detachment continues service to his country that has spanned all three components in the Army.
He commissioned as an Active Duty military police officer, deployed twice to combat, then transitioned to the Army Reserves where he commanded a basic training unit. In 2006 he went on to serve as a flight surgeon for the Pennsylvania National Guard before transferring to the Colorado Army National Guard, where he deployed twice more into combat.
Even though Scott will not be far – he will continue to serve at the Medical Detachment as the chief of aviation medicine – he asked the Soldiers to continue their hard work for their new commander.
“I ask that you provide Torres the same level of professional excellence you’ve given me,” he said. “I am deeply indebted to all of you and immensely proud of being a part of (the unit).”