402nd AFSB conducts assumption of responsibility ceremony

By Sgt. 1st Class Annette Simon, 402nd AFSB Public AffairsSeptember 12, 2014

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2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Robert A. Dawson (right), commander, 402nd AFSB, passes the NCO sword to Command Sgt. Maj. Cheryl N. M. Greene, incoming command sergeant major, 402nd AFSB, during the 402nd AFSB's assumption of responsibility ceremony July 30, at Camp Arifjan, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- The 402nd Army Field Support Brigade conducted an assumption of responsibility ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Cheryl N. M. Greene, incoming command sergeant major, 402nd AFSB, here, July 30.

This ceremony was hosted by Col. Robert A. Dawson, commander, 402nd AFSB.

The highlight of the ceremony was the passing of the NCO sword. This signifies the assumption of responsibility and authority. The assumption of responsibility is rich with symbolism. It marks the moment the command sergeant major assumes responsibility as the senior enlisted noncommissioned officer for the unit, becoming responsible for advising the commander on all enlisted affairs and providing counsel and guidance to NCOs and enlisted Soldiers.

Greene comes to the brigade with several years of experience in maintenance, which will be beneficial for this assignment as she assumes the responsibility of Soldiers who maintain the largest set of Army prepositioned stocks in the world.

"You come on board with a proven record of leadership, mission focus, commitment to the Army and commitment to Soldiers," Dawson said. "Command Sergeant Major Greene has a broad depth of experience and knowledge that makes her uniquely qualified to lead the unit today at this point in our history."

Dawson spoke about the history and the unique structure of the 402nd AFSB.

"We [402nd] truly represent the total force -- active duty, reserve component, National Guard, officers, warrant officers, noncommissioned officers, Department of the Army civilians, and of course, our contracted teammates," he said. "The 402nd represents how the Army supports units today; the total force committed to mission accomplishment, working together as a team."

"I truly believe the pure essence of my existence here today is due to the many officers, noncommissioned officers, and civilians whom I've had the privilege of serving with throughout my career," Greene said.

Greene entered the Army in November 1988 as a wheel vehicle mechanic and later became an ordnance Soldier. She has received numerous awards and decorations. Greene is a prominent member of the Ordnance Corps, a recipient of the Samuel Sharpe Award and an honorary member of the Transportation Corps' Military Order of Saint Christopher.

"Colonel Dawson, the command select list has put us together by faith and said 'We are a battle-buddy team,' " Greene said. "However, I am truly honored and looking forward to building our team, fostering a great command climate and building partnerships throughout the sustainment community."

The 402nd AFSB color guard, led by Master Sgt. Lawrence J. Harris, operations sergeant major, also participated in the ceremony.

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