Photo By Sgt. Nataja Ford | U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy Soldiers are welcomed into the 88th Readiness Division...... read more read more
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U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy, Wis. witnessed an historic patching ceremony to mark the transition of its Garrison Soldiers from the Army Materiel Command to the 88th Readiness Division on March 13, 2025. The ceremony was initiated by Execute Order 123-25 from the Secretary of the Army, issued in January 2025, which updated the U.S. Army Installation Management Structure. The order designated all uniformed personnel at the garrison to shift under the senior commander's tactical control (TACON), which necessitated a change in the command patch worn on the Soldiers' uniforms.
The 88th Readiness Division command team, led by Maj. Gen. Joseph Ricciardi, commanding general and Fort McCoy's senior commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Dieckman, and the U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy command team of Col. Sheyla Baez-Ramirez and 1st Sgt. Thomas Ninkovich, acting Garrison command sergeant major, led and spoke at the ceremony. The event was emceed by 88th Readiness Division's Chief Warrant Officer 3 Amy Kirkman.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Ricciardi and Command Sgt. Maj. Dieckman replaced the soldiers' AMC patches and welcomed them into the division with the distinctive blue clover insignia of the 88th Readiness Division, symbolizing their new command and formally making them "Blue Devils."
In his address, Maj. Gen. Ricciardi emphasized the significance of the patch as more than just a uniform accessory, but as a symbol rich with history, performance, and respect. He highlighted the past of the 88th, noting its moniker "Blue Devils," which they earned from their enemies in World War II, due to their tenacity in combat. Ricciardi encouraged Soldiers to uphold and contribute to this legacy, reinforcing the importance of their role in continuing the division's esteemed narrative. He emphasized the already upstanding partnership between the division and garrison, stating that it is due to that relationship that not much will need to change and that the restructuring will only strengthen what has already been established.
Col. Baez-Ramirez reflected on the deep-rooted traditions of the 88th Readiness Division, established in 1917, and its impactful involvement in major operations such as World War I, World War II, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She urged Soldiers, civilians, and families to embrace the change, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and a chance to contribute to the division's enduring legacy.
The 88th Readiness Division, formed initially as the 88th Division, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1917. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, adapting to the evolving needs of the U.S. Army. Its current role focuses on ensuring operational readiness, providing area support services, and supporting emergency operations across a 19-state region.
The patching ceremony at Fort McCoy not only marked a change in command alignment but also reaffirmed the Soldiers' commitment to upholding the values and traditions of the 88th Readiness Division. By donning the blue clover patch, the Soldiers embraced a legacy of excellence and dedicated themselves to contributing to the division's future achievements.
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2025 08:39 |
| Story ID: | 493622 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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