BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Members of the 401st Army Field Support Brigade watched as Command Sgt. Maj. Willie Odoms assumed responsibility as the senior enlisted adviser from Command Sgt. Maj. Charlie Chavez.
During the change of responsibility ceremony Aug. 15, Col. Mark Paget, 401st AFSB commander, passed the ceremonial sword to Odoms, entrusting him as the new top-level noncommissioned officer.
The 401st AFSB is one of seven brigades that are part of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command, headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. ASC supports Army and joint forces in support of the combat commanders around the world.
Paget thanked Chavez, who became the brigade command sergeant major in July 2012, for his assistance in leading the brigade's more than 53,000 Soldiers, civilians and contractors.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Chavez has been my battle buddy and more. He has been my sounding board behind closed doors -- listening and helping. We have developed a friendship that I look forward to continuing in Washington state," Paget said.
As Chavez prepares to retire after 30 years of service, he thanked everyone at 401st AFSB for their support and talked about the uniqueness of the command.
"It is a great day today as I say farewell to this unique, dynamic and large organization of military, Department of the Army Civilians, and contractors. I can't thank each and every one of you personally, so today I am thanking all of you for being such a professional organization. I am leaving this great Army a winner, and serving beside each one of you was the pinnacle of a great career," Chavez said.
Paget then welcomed Odoms to the team.
"The coming year has the potential to be the most challenging and professionally rewarding assignment in your career," Paget told Odoms. "You have a great reputation and everyone here today has high expectations -- expectations that I am confident that you will not only meet, but exceed."
Odoms thanked Paget for the opportunity to serve as the 401st AFSB command sergeant major and thanked Chavez for his service.
"Colonel Paget, I look forward to our journey ahead," Odoms said. "Command Sergeant Major Chavez, thank you for your hospitality and your willingness to share your knowledge and wisdom during our transition. Thank you for your many years of devoted service and sacrifice for our country. Our Army -- its leaders and Soldiers -- will truly miss your leadership and expertise."
Odoms, a native of Milton, Del., arrives from 7th Sustainment Brigade's Special Troops Battalion at Fort Eustis, Va. His awards include, among others, the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters and the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
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