Maryland National Guard Welcomes New Top Enlisted Leader Amidst Farewell to Long-Serving Command Sergeant Major

The Maryland National Guard recently conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, marking the end of an era for Command Sgt. Maj. David Harry and the beginning of a new chapter under Command Sgt. Maj. Larry LeCates. The event, presided over by Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, the 31st Adjutant General of Maryland, honored Harry’s nearly three decades of dedicated service while simultaneously ushering in LeCates as the state’s new command senior enlisted leader.

Command Sgt. Maj. Harry, who held the distinction of being the state’s top enlisted member, concluded a distinguished 29-year career. During the ceremony, his significant contributions and leadership were recognized, with emphasis placed on his role in developing leaders, mentoring Soldiers, and strengthening formations within the Maryland National Guard. The ceremonial passing of the sword from Harry to LeCates symbolized the formal transfer of command responsibilities.

Major General Birckhead expressed confidence in Command Sgt. Maj. LeCates’ ability to build upon the foundation established by his predecessor. LeCates brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard in 2003. His career has included various positions of increasing responsibility, such as regimental command sergeant major for the 70th Regiment Regional Training Institute, command sergeant major for the 1297th CSSB, first sergeant for the 104th Medical Company, and senior enlisted advisor for the National Mission Brigade in Afghanistan.

Following the change of responsibility, the ceremony shifted to a retirement tribute for Command Sgt. Maj. Harry. Remarks were delivered by distinguished leaders, including Senior Enlisted Advisor John T. Raines III, the 7th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Command Sgt. Major James B. Kendrick, the 14th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard. They spoke highly of Harry’s unique blend of wisdom, education, experience, and his personable nature, highlighting the positive impact he had not only within Maryland but also across the wider National Guard community.

Command Sgt. Maj. Harry’s military journey began when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1997, following his immigration to the United States from Georgetown, Guyana, in 1979. His extensive career included service in operational, training, and staff positions, as well as a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also made notable contributions to the State Partnership Program, the State and National Best Warrior Competitions, and played a key role in professional development and talent management initiatives across the force. Reflecting on his career, Harry emphasized that the most significant achievements were the relationships he built and the lasting impact he hopes to have left on those he served with.

The transition in leadership within the Maryland National Guard signifies a continuation of its commitment to excellence and readiness, with the organization poised to benefit from the seasoned experience of Command Sgt. Maj. LeCates as it moves forward.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland National Guard

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