Photo by Nick Spinelli Lt. Col. Dexter Sadler, 310th Human Resources Sustainment Center, (center) has his rank insignias pinned on his uniform by his sister, Pauline Roscoe, and Lt. Gen. Robert Gray (ret.), former Fort Gordon commanding general and Chief of Signal.

“One of the the Army’s strengths is its upward mobility and its ability to bring new leadership up the ladder,” Gray said during the ceremony held in Olmstead Hall Feb. 19.

Gray spoke on the importance of good leadership and, as a sign of his faith in Sadler, presented him with the oak leafs he wore as a Lt. Col.

“The Army doesn’t just promote to the next rank,” Gray said. “It promotes with the intention of continued promotion.”

With that in mind, Gray also presented Sadler with the silver eagles he wore during his time as a colonel. He then concluded his remarks with some advice for Sadler.

“Don’t be defined by your rank,” he said. “Be defined by your actions, by your leadership and by who you are. That way, your rank will be defined by your character. We’ve served together and I’ve known you for a long time, which is why I am confident in your ability to lead and the Army’s decision to increase your rank and responsibilities.”

As the cermony concluded, Sadler thanked Gray for his years of support and encouragement.