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White Sands Missile Range welcomed WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher A. Prosser in a change of responsibility ceremony April 16.

Prosser comes to us from the Mission Command Center of Excellence Fort Leavenworth.

Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Prosser graduated from Delaware Valley High School in Poconos, Pennsylvania in 1993. He entered the United States Army in 1992 as an M60 and M1 armored crewman and graduated One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Prosser said his decision to join the Army was mostly due to family members before him serving in the military and his desire to travel. Being a valued member of a team inspired him to continue to serve.

"I've continued to serve in the Army thanks to the leaders I've had and (because I enjoy) being part of a team."

While at Fort Leavenworth Prosser said he held several different roles. "It really opened my eyes to the institutional part of the Army."

Prosser said two things stand out in his roles as a leader. The first is that to be valued you must be of value to your organization. "That means coming to work and doing your best and strive to be better."

The second thing is that everyone deserves good leadership at any level, starting with the leader all the way to the most junior Soldier. "I believe good leaders help you get through hard times," Prosser said. "They want you to do your best and they will do their best for you."

Prosser said he wants to help lead this world class organization. "I feel I have something to contribute and to continue to be a valued member of the team," Prosser said. "I am grateful to have this great opportunity to lead."

As for his goals while at WSMR Prosser said he wants WSMR to continue being recognized as a leader in joint force material testing and continue to supply the best equipment to the best Army in the world. "I want to bring a one team attitude to all the organizations on the installation."

Prosser said he wants people at WSMR to see him as their Sergeant Major and as an advocate for them and their organization. "I want to make a connection with the community."

In reference to living at WSMR, Prosser, who was previously stationed at Fort Bliss, said WSMR is a beautiful area with an extremely important mission. This is his fourth time being stationed in the area. While stationed at Fort Bliss he always thought it was an awesome place to train and be stationed at. "It is beautiful." The mission here is so important to the entire joint force.

When he is not working Prosser said he enjoys grilling, spending time with his family, playing with his dog, and snowboarding.

Prosser said people would probably be surprised to know that he enjoys working with stained glass.  Among the things he has created are logos for his daughter's high school and Army Unit patches. "One thing I like is it takes patience and a degree of understanding that you are not going to be the best and I improve every time I make something."

Also, his favorite music group ever, ever since he was 12, are the Beastie Boys. He said he owns every album they ever made.

Prosser has served in various heavy, light and Stryker units throughout his career and has held leadership positions in Armor, Cavalry and Stryker units including Tank Gunner, Tank Commander, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Brigade Operations Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major. He has served in 1st Battalion, 72d Armor, Republic of Korea; 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Carson, Colorado; 1st Battalion, 33d Armor, Fort Lewis, Washington; US Army Recruiting Battalion – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 2nd Battalion, 63d Armor, Vilseck, Germany; 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Fort Bliss, Texas; Headquarters, US Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky; and 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. His most recent assignments include duties as Special Assistant to the Sergeant Major of the Army, Pentagon, Washington DC; Command Sergeant Major of 4th Squadron (Recon), 2d Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; and as the Command Sergeant Major of Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.

Prosser's three combat tours include two tours Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one tour Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He has also deployed to Kosovo for Operation Joint Guardian (KFOR4B).

His military education includes all levels of NCOPDS, including the First Sergeant Course and he is a graduate of Class 60 of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Battalion and Brigade Pre-Command and CSM Development Program Courses, Army Strategic Leader Development Program - Basic and Intermediate Courses, SGM Force Management Course and the Senior Leader Seminar. SGM Prosser's civilian education includes a Master's Degree in Management from Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science and an Associate's degree from Excelsior College in New York.

Prosser's awards and decorations include the Combat Action Badge, Gold Recruiting Badge w/3 Sapphires, Army Staff Identification Badge, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (3 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (5 awards), the Army Commendation Medal (6 awards), the Army Achievement Medal (7 awards), the Good Conduct Medal (7th award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the ISAF and Kosovo NATO Medals. He is also a recipient of the Order of Saint George, Order of Saint Maurice, German Schützenschnur (Gold Award), Draper Armor Leadership Award and Order of the Silver and Gold Combat Spur. He is also a member of the Sergeants Audie Murphy and Morales Club.