KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - The 21st Theater Sustainment Command welcomed its new senior enlisted advisor during a change of responsibility ceremony on Rhine Ordnance Barracks Dec. 19.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney J. Rhoades assumed responsibility as the command sergeant major of the 21st TSC from Command Sgt. Maj. James J. Murrin.
The 21st TSC commanding general welcomed distinguished guests and praised both leaders during remarks he made following the ceremonial passing of the saber.
"Of the many honors I have as the commanding general, few compare to the honor of executing the change of responsibility for my senior enlisted adviser and battle buddy, the command sergeant major," said Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, the commanding general of the 21st TSC and the ceremony's presiding officer. "Today we transition command responsibility as the organization senior enlisted advisor from one great leader to another great leader."
Murrin, who served for around six months as the TSC's acting CSM, will resume duties as the 7th Civil Support Command senior enlisted adviser.
"From the first day, I knew I was in good hands with him at my side," O'Connor said of Murrin. "(He) never looked back and was fully engaged from the start."
Murrin praised the command, its soldiers and fellow leaders during his remarks.
"It's pretty humbling to reflect on how much we've accomplished this fall," the Boston native said. "From food service to foreign consequence management; from maintenance to medical service; from police to petroleum, we've provided it all. From the Balkans to Baumholder, we've demonstrated we're 'First in Support.'"
Murrin also praised his successor and predicted robust success in the future.
"Everything in your career suggests you'll take it to an even higher level," he told Rhoades. "(Maj. Gen. O'Connor) clearly chose wisely when he selected you for this mission. Great soldiers plus outstanding leaders equals a superb team - which is exactly what I see emerging at the 21st."
Rhoades comes to Team 21 from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he served as the command sergeant major of U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command.
"Today we have the honor of welcoming our incoming senior enlisted adviser and one of the finest noncommissioned officers in our Army," said O'Connor. "As our Army transitions leaders, it always seems to get it right. We welcome an equally confident, competent and capable leader to the team."
After filling every NCO leadership position from squad leader to command sergeant major, Rhoades brings nearly 20 years of experience leading soldiers to Team 21.
"What I've seen from a distance and experienced first-hand over the last week was strength, commitment and professionalism of the soldiers and civilians of Team 21, and I'm proud to be a part of this team," said Rhoades, a native of Ashville, Pa. "I'm proud to be your command sergeant major and your teammate."
"I look forward to serving with you as we maintain the finest TSC in the Army," he concluded.
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