Team 19 welcomes new senior enlisted leader

By Staff Sgt. Cashmere Jefferson, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment CommandAugust 15, 2014

19th ESC welcomes new senior enlisted leader
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP HENRY, South Korea—Brig Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, commanding general, of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command hosted an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony today for Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Castillo, who assumed duties as the 19th ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
19th ESC welcomes new senior enlisted leader
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP HENRY, South Korea—Brig Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, commanding general, of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command hosted an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony today for Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Castillo, who assumed duties as the 19th ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
19th ESC welcomes new senior enlisted leader
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP HENRY, South Korea—Brig Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, commanding general, of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command hosted an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony today for Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Castillo, who assumed duties as the 19th ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP HENRY, South Korea--Brig Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, commanding general, of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command hosted an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony today for Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Castillo, who assumed duties as the 19th ESC's command sergeant major, here.

"I stand before you today as the luckiest commander around," said Farmen during his remarks welcoming Castillo and his family "Team Castillo" to the command. "Command Sgt. Maj. Castillo represents the next generation of Team 19, he comes to us with esteemed credentials, an impeccable reputation, and a record of outstanding performance built over a 26-year-career and he is definitely ready."

Castillo has previously served as the command sergeant major of the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) United States Army Special Operations Command, the command sergeant major of the Joint Psychological Operations Task Force (JPTOF), the Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), the command sergeant major of 307th Brigade Support Battalion and the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Castillo has also served as the command sergeant major of the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and his most recent assignment as the command sergeant major of the 10th Sustainment Brigade, deploying to Afghanistan.

Farmen said Command Sgt. Maj. Castillo epitomizes all you could ever ask for in a CSM which nests nicely with the 19th ESCs Creed of character, combat readiness and honor, "he is the constant professional that earns everyone's respect and admiration, through his conduct and actions and the great news is, he's finally here and it's time to move out and make things happen."

Castillo said he fully understands that leadership is a privilege and that there is one standard that applies to all: be responsible and accountable for your decisions, your Soldiers and your equipment.

Soldiers, Families and Civilians throughout Korea attended the Assumption of Responsibility welcoming Area IV's newest command sergeant major.

"Today is not just about welcoming a new leader with the symbolism of entrusting me with the colors, it's more important that we take time to recognize a very special formation," he said. "These Soldiers stand ready at a moment's notice to 'fight tonight' and I'm proud to join the team."

The 19th ESC operates the southern hub and is the sustainment and power projection backbone for the peninsula. It was the first Theater Support Command in the Army to transform into a Sustainment Command.

Castillo made a point to talk about his 'beloved' noncommissioned officer corps, and asked that leaders continue to enforce regulations, policies and procedures while directing all Soldiers, "if you are not in compliance, get there quickly."

He went on the emphasize what he believes to be the 12 most powerful words in the second paragraph of the NCO Creed ever written on any paper: All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership, I will provide that leadership.

He said, "While you are providing that outstanding leadership here at Team 19, I ask that you don't count the days, make the days count by being the leader you want to be led by,"

Castillo will now serve as the 25th command sergeant major of the 19th ESC, in its 50 year history as a war-fighting unit, here on the Korean peninsula.

Related Links:

Homepage of the 19th ESC

Official Facebook of the 19th ESC