FORT SILL, OK- The 214th Fires Brigade welcomed their new Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Aaron, August 1 with a four-mile running tour of Fort Sill, equipped with cadence calls and a break to hear Aaron speak about his plans with the brigade.
Aaron, who holds his Soldiers to a high physical standard, welcomed the opportunity to mix in some physical fitness while meeting many of his Soldiers for the first time. He also hoped that the run would build cohesion between the NCO's while giving the chance to highlight the important role that NCO's hold in today's military.
"The run turned out to be motivational and a great opportunity to have all the NCOs in the brigade get a chance to see what our new command sergeant major is all about," said Sgt. 1st Class Justin Houser, the brigade operation's noncommissioned officer in charge.
The new command sergeant major also stressed the importance of looking out for one another and holding Soldiers accountable for their actions. Discussing the hot topic of sexual harassment and assault is something that no one likes to do, but it was brought up, ensuring that all Soldiers knew what the brigade standard is- something that Aaron puts at the top of his priorities.
"During his conversation at the run I could tell that Sergeant Major Aaron really cares about Soldiers and seems like the type of leader that will fit in well here," said Sgt. 1st Class Octavia Robinson-Wilson.
A native of Camden, Ala., Aaron recently celebrated his 26th year of Army service. He enlisted as a cannon crew member in August of 1987 and attended basic training here, followed by his first assignment in 75th Fires Brigade.
"I wanted to come back and be a command sergeant major at Fort Sill because it was where I began my career and it may very well be where I choose to end it," said Aaron. "The 214th Fires Brigade was my first choice of duty stations. I worked at the 75th Fires Brigade as a private. Now having the opportunity to come back here and serve as the 214th command sergeant major is an honor."
Aaron hit the ground running in June, making positive impressions all around. For one of his first projects he teamed up with his wife of 24 years, Tracy, and the brigade commander's family to start a new program where each Soldier who is expecting a baby receives a handmade diaper cake that contains the essentials for the first few weeks following birth, handmade by the spouses.
"We just want to make sure Soldiers know that we care for each of them and that the families know that they have a chain of command that is there for them anytime they need us," said Aaron.
Even though he has only been in the brigade less than two months, Soldiers and civilians alike are very excited for what is to come with the new brigade command team.
"Sergeant Major Aaron exemplifies professionalism on a daily basis," said retired Master Sgt. Freddie James, a civilian worker in the operations section who finished his career in the 214th FiB. "He is a soft spoken leader who looks and does the part of the top enlisted Soldier here. He's the best I've seen in a long time."
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