FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The 10th Sustainment Brigade hosted an assumption of responsibility ceremony Friday at Magrath Sports Complex to welcome its new command sergeant major.
Command Sgt. Maj. Ann M. Sydnor assumed responsibility of the brigade, which is home to thousands of Soldiers from the 10th Special Troops Battalion; 91st Military Police Battalion; 548th Combat Sustainment Support Batta- lion and the 63rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion.
Soldiers and friends from throughout the division attended the ceremony including some Family Members who flew in from Illinois.
The ceremony was conducted by passing an NCO sword from the acting senior enlisted adviser to the incoming command sergeant major.
The sword was adopted by the War Department in 1840. While no longer a part of the Army's inventory, it is still used for ceremonies and displays. Unit enlisted leaders may come and go, but the sword remains.
Ceremonies may have a different meaning to people, but Sydnor ensured the meaning of her ceremony was clear.
"These types of ceremonies are about the units and the Soldiers who serve in them," Sydnor said.
She said the ceremony is not about the people who fill positions, but Soldiers deserve to know when their senior leaders come and go.
Soldiers should not find out a change in leadership occurred by noticing a sign or a command photo change.
She thanked Command Sgt. Maj. Melanie T. Brooks for having served as the home station command sergeant major since January. Brooks will return to her assignment as 10th STB command sergeant major.
Sydnor also recognized Muleskinners who recently arrived from Afghanistan and those who are still serving. She asked those in attendance to keep Muleskinners in their prayers, for there are still some Soldiers in harm's way.
The brigade headquarters is currently deployed and scheduled to return in November.
Col. Robert A. Culp II, 10th Sustainment Brigade home station commander, thanked Brooks for her support and welcomed Sydnor in his speech.
"I'm confident that Command Sgt. Maj. Sydnor's leadership and example will improve the lives of Soldiers and Family Members of the Muleskinners and ensure the our high standards are maintained," Culp said.
Audience members stood as the ceremony concluded with the singing of the 10th Mountain Division Song and the Army Song.
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