PEMBROKE, N.H. –
William Ferland joined the New Hampshire Army National Guard in 1984 to become a welder. On a hazy drill Sunday more than four decades later, he retired as the state command sergeant major.
It was a career the Somersworth product said he could have never imagined after he relinquished responsibility of the NHARNG to Caleb Smith, incoming state command sergeant major, during a June 8 ceremony before family, friends and battalion-size formation at the Edward Cross Training Complex athletic field in Pembroke.
“Over 41 years, I’ve seen the Army change,” Ferland said. “But what hasn’t changed is the grit, courage and relentless drive to complete the mission. That’s the soul of the Army, and that’s what I’ve loved most about serving.”
Ferland assumed the duties as the 13th state command sergeant major and senior enlisted advisor to the adjutant general in 2020. With three deployments and key assignments at every level of command under his belt, Ferland guided the readiness, welfare and education of NHNG soldiers.
He also was the driving force behind the creation of a volunteer NHNG search and rescue team.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Ferland has acted with both humility and empathy in taking care of and advocating on behalf of our most precious resource -- our soldiers and airmen,” said NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities, who awarded Ferland the Legion of Merit.
Smith inherits the role with more than 25 years of service and four deployments in the NHARNG. His most recent post was command sergeant major for 54th Troop Command.
“To the soldiers in formation here and across the state, you matter, and you make a difference,” Smith said. “I look forward to continued service with you and for you as the 14th command sergeant major of New Hampshire.”
--compiled by Pfc. Makayla Panzer, 114th PAD