In a ceremony steeped in tradition, Maj. Christopher L. Selvey clapped his hands as the West Virginia Army National Guard Band played “Garry Owen,” the unofficial marching song of the Seventh Cavalry moments after taking command of the 1/150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, based in Bluefield.

“We can take it,” Selvey said, reciting the 150th Recon’s motto at the conclusion of his rather brief acceptance of command speech. Selvey, 43, is a 1985 graduate of Fayetteville High School, 1989 graduate of Concord University, who earned his master’s degree in communications from West Virginia University in 2000. He and his wife, Sherri, reside in Fayetteville with their three children, daughter, Samantha, and sons Noah and Eli.

“The first person I want to thank today is God,” Selvey said. “He wouldn’t place me in these waters without a plan for me. I would also like to thank the state of West Virginia and Major General Allen E. Tackett (Adjutant General of West Virginia),” he said. “General Tackett has been a personal friend to me.”

Selvey became emotional as he thanked his wife and children, his big brothers and his friends, Lee and Alma Threadway. He also expressed thanks to his parents, both of whom are deceased, and both of whom were World War II veterans — his father was a submariner and his mother was in the Nurse’s Corps. His voice broke, and he paused as he expressed thanks to his step-father.

At the start of the ceremony, after the troops were in formation, Brigadier General Charlie Viet expressed his appreciation for the job Lt. Col. Robby R. Scarberry performed during his 24 months in command of the 1/150th Armored Recon Squadron. “You prepared troops for combat, led troops in combat and you brought every one of them back,” Viet said.

Scarberry, a 24-year veteran of the West Virginia Army National Guard told the soldiers of his command that he was honored to “lead at the point of command.” He said that during their recent deployment, they served in “some of the toughest areas of Iraq,” and that they completed their missions. He also expressed his appreciation to Command Sgt. Major James Allen for his service and support.

Scarberry also expressed his thanks to his wife, Sherry, and their sons, Dustin and Blake, for their sacrifices. He expressed his thanks to the soldiers who served in his command as well as to their families “who carry the heaviest burden.” He closed his remarks by telling the soldiers, “Scouts out. Cav pride. Take charge.”

During the reception that followed the ceremony, Tackett, a 48-year veteran of the Army National Guard who has served 15 years as adjutant general, expressed appreciation for Scarberry’s leadership during a time of war. “These troops were in some very challenging places,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in Selvey’s leadership. “He has the respect of his troops, and once you have the respect of the soldiers who serve with you, these soldiers will follow your orders and climb that Col. William Aldridge, former commander of the 150th, said he served as Selvey’s instructor when he was in officers candidate school. “He will be a fine commander,” Aldridge said.

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