Sgt. Maj. Holiday bids farewell to USAICoE, FH

Fort Huachuca, AZ. - Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Holiday, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence command sergeant major, made one final impact on the Fort Huachuca community June 21. On Brown Parade Field in front of Family, friends, community members and USAICoE units, Holiday participated in his final change of responsibility, followed by his retirement ceremony.

"Although Command Sergeant Major Holiday leaves our ranks today, we can rest assured knowing that his boots are filled by hundreds of professional NCOs (noncommissioned officers) who remain in our formations around the world," said Maj. Gen. Robert Ashley, USAICoE and Fort Huachuca commanding general, addressing Holiday during the ceremony. "This is the last change of responsibility you'll partake in. It is not, however, the last time you will have an impact on Soldiers and the MI (Military Intelligence) Corps. The effects of your leadership will be lasting for a generation to come."

During his time on Fort Huachuca, Holiday advised three USAICoE commanders and remained committed to the professional development, training and retention of the Military Intelligence Noncommissioned Officer Corps. Fort Huachuca's NCO Academy was designated as an "Institution of Excellence" in August, 2011. This is the highest rating among Training and Doctrine Command, or TRADOC, accreditations.

Under Holiday, Fort Huachuca has been recognized as one of the best in TRADOC for retention. He was also integral in revamping the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. The program gives NCOs opportunities to strive for excellence and, in the process, creates role models for junior Soldiers. When it comes to mentoring younger Soldiers, Holiday said that this is one of his best memories.

"Your efforts have no doubt fostered a generation of future command sergeants major and future commanders who will rely on the competence, experience and wisdom of their senior noncommissioned officers," Ashley said to Holiday.

Following his retirement, Holiday and his wife Kashina plan to move to the northern Augusta, Ga., area. Shina will transfer to a new job at Fort Gordon. Holiday said he has no future plans except to relax and spend time with his Family. "Sometimes having no plans is a good plan," he said after 33 years of military service.

"People ask 'what's next for Command Sergeant Major Holiday' -- he becomes Todd Holiday. He lives, and he enjoys life," Holiday said.

Assuming responsibility for USAICoE is Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Fairley. He comes to Fort Huachuca with his wife, Master Sgt. Michelle Fairley, and their daughter Sidney.

"It is not easy being a military Family but being a dual-military Family presents an entirely different set of challenges," Ashley said, addressing Fairley. "It also means you understand the importance of teamwork, balance and flexibility, which is why I know you will be an outstanding addition to the USAICoE Command Team."

During his military career, Fairley has served in multiple first sergeant and command sergeant major positions. His most recent assignment was as the U. S. Army Pacific G-2 sergeant major at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.