7th SFG welcomes new commander, bids farewell to former commander

[Dan]

RELEASE NUMBER: 050804-01
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 4, 2005

7th SFG welcomes new commander, bids farewell to former commander
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Aug. 4, 2005) — The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) inducted a new commander into their ranks and bid another farewell during an Aug. 4 change of command ceremony here.

With Soldiers standing in formation on Meadows Memorial Parade Field, Col. Jeffrey D. Waddell, the former 7th SFG commander, passed the unit’s colors to Col. Edward R. Reeder, Jr.

Reeder is a veteran of 7th SFG, serving first in 1987 as an Operational Detachment-A commander. He participated in Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama, and also served as a U.S. Army Advisor to the El Salvardoran national Civil Defense Forces.

Under Waddell’s two-year command, the 7th SFG deployed throughout Latin America and the Middle East, bringing freedom and democracy to all corners of the globe.

“Colonel Waddell and members of the 7th Special Forces Group deserve the love and thanks of America, a nation that you have served so well,” said Brig. Gen. Gary M. Jones, commander of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne). “I know you cherish your battlefield successes and honor your losses.”

“With deployments to Columbia, Iraq and Afghanistan, this formation has earned the respect of a grateful nation,” Jones continued. “This is how heroes are paid. Heroes are paid with respect from their fellows.”

Waddell's voice cracked with emotion when he began to address his comrades-in-arms.

“It was a fast and furious pace,” said Waddell, referring to his work since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Waddell thanked his parents, children and grandson for their continued support.

“To quote the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig,” Waddell said. “’Today I feel like the luckiest man in the world.’”

Waddell said he is confident Reeder, his longtime friend, will be a strong 7th SFG commander.

“We understand that vigilance at home, coupled with aggressive action abroad are key elements to U.S. foreign policy,” Reeder said.

Reeder's military and civilian education include the Infantry Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, Ranger, Airborne, Defense Language Institue, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.

His military awards and decorations include the Legion Of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Service Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (7th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (5th Award) , Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award) , Joint Meritorious Unit Award (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2nd Award) Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2nd Award), Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs. Reeder received the Star of the Armed Forces Medal (Ecuador), the Honor and Merit Medal (Venezuela), and numerous foreign parachutist badges.

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