Command Sgt. Maj. James Ramsey, outgoing 111th Military Intelligence Brigade command sergeant major, relinquished responsibility in a ceremony at Chaffee Parade Field Monday and assumed responsibility again Tuesday as the incoming Fort Huachuca Garrison command sergeant major.
Col. Richard ?"Mike" Monnard, 111th MI Bde. commander, served as the Monday ceremony?'s presiding official. His remarks described the significance of Ramsey's departure from the brigade.
?"I normally infuse a bit of history and humor into the speeches I give at events like this, but today is a special occasion -- no, actually, today is an awesome occasion," Monnard said. ?"I have been a lucky battalion commander and an even luckier brigade commander, lucky because Command Sergeant Major Ramsey has been by my side throughout both leadership opportunities."
As Ramsey bid farewell to the Soldiers, he reflected upon their professionalism and perseverance to excel at the challenge he would put before them.
?"My final challenge to you is the same -- focus on the basics, remembering the five essential characteristics of an Army professional; military expertise, honorable service, trust, esprit de corps and stewardship," he stated.
Monday's change of responsibility ceremony welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Whitney, incoming 111th MI Bde. command sergeant major. Whitney's previous assignment was as command sergeant major of the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas.
Whitney's introduction revealed that this is his second time at Fort Huachuca. Twelve years ago he served as an instructor for Company A and drill sergeant for Company B, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion. In a brief speech, Whitney mentioned that while a few things have changed on post, the Soldiers?' level of professionalism and leadership had not.
The brigade's goals will remain unchanged as well. According to Capt. Vincent Nosbusch, brigade senior human resource officer and adjutant, 111th MI Bde., ?"The goals of the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade remain the same -- to train, equip, and lead the future leaders of the world's strongest military organization."
On Tuesday, during the assumption of responsibility ceremony in Fitch Auditorium, Alvarado Hall, Sgt. Maj. Ronald Samia, interim garrison command sergeant major, passed the sword to Col. Dan McFarland, Fort Huachuca garrison commander, who handed the sword to Ramsey as a symbol of his newly acquired duties.
Ramsey shared his sense of humor with the audience at the assumption of responsibility ceremony during his acceptance speech.
?"Today, it is an honor to join the ?'team of teams?' as the garrison command sergeant major. After all, who wouldn't want to join the team who has the ability to do something the entire Army staff has failed to do -- tear me away from TRADOC (U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command) and the 111th MI Brigade," Ramsey said jokingly. ?"For the past six years my primary mission has been to train and educate the Army's future leaders. I was able to accomplish this mission because of the strength and commitment of the garrison community," he added on a more serious note.
While saying goodbye to the 111th MI Bde. was emotional, Ramsey expressed that he and his wife feel fortunate for already having bonded with the Fort Huachuca community for the past six years.
?"As Connie and I officially join the [garrison] team, I cannot think of a better mission than to provide the same level of commitment, collaboration and cooperation to the over 17,000 Soldiers, Families, Civilians and retirees of our community, ensuring them a quality of life commensurate with their quality of services," Ramsey noted.
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