Fort Drum salutes incoming command sergeant major

FORT DRUM — At a ceremony Thursday afternoon, the 10th Mountain Division welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Merritt to its command group.

Command Sgt. Maj. Merritt, who entered the Army in 1984, has served in combat situations in Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. His service awards include a Bronze Star, a Legion of Merit and a Meritorious Service Medal.

Graduating with an associate degree from Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio, he served as a paramedic and firefighter before enlisting at age 23.